ROSLYN  EEUTION 


c 


^Translations  of  $rrat  Classics. 


DANTE'S  DIVINE  COMEDY.  Translated  by  HENRY  WADS- 
WORTH  LONGFELLOW.  With  Notes  and  Literary  Illustrations. 
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HOMER'S   ILIAD.    Translated  by  WILLIAM  CULUJN  BRYANT. 

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HOMER'S  ODYSSEY.  Translated  by  WILLIAM  CULLEN  BRY 
ANT.  In  three  editions. 

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VIRGIL'S  WORKS.    THB^NEID.    Translated  by  C.  P.  CRANCH. 

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WORKS.     Translated  into  KnglisR  Verse,  with  Variorum  and  other 

Notes  and  Comparative  Readings.     Bv  JOHN  AUGUSTINE  WIL- 

STACH.     With   Illustrations  and  an   Index.     Two  vols.  crown 

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GOETHE'S  FAUST.  Translated  by  BAYARD  TAYLOR.  In  three 
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THE 


TRANSLATED  INTO  ENGLISH  BLANK  VERSE 


WILLIAM   CULLEN   BRYANT. 


TWO  VOLUMES   IN  ONE 


BOSTON: 
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(Cfce  Rtocwifce  preset,  CamiinUjje. 


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FIELDS.     OSGOOD,    &    CO., 
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The  Riverside  Press,  Cambridge,  Mass.,  U.  S.  A 
Printed  by  H.  O.  Houghton  &  Company. 


THE  ILIAD  OF  HOMER. 


VOL    I. 


PREFACE. 


HAVING  now  nearly  completed  my  translation  of 
the  Iliad  of  Homer,  I  sit  down  to  write  the  Pre 
face,  that  it  may  be  prefixed  to  the  first  volume.  To 
this  task  of  translation,  which  I  began  in  1865,  I  af 
terwards  gave  myself  the  more  willingly  because  it 
helped  in  some  measure  to  divert  my  mind  from  a  great 
domestic  sorrow.  I  am  not  sure  that,  when  it  shall  be 
concluded,  it  may  not  cost  me  some  regret  to  part  with 
so  interesting  a  companion  as  the  old  Greek  poet,  whose 
thoughts  I  have,  for  four  years  past,  been  occupied, 
though  with  interruptions,  in  the  endeavor  to  transfer 
from  his  own  grand  and  musical  Greek  to  our  less  so 
norous  but  still  manly  and  flexible  tongue. 

In  what  I  shall  say  of  my  own  translation  I  do  not 
mean  to  speak  in  disparagement  of  any  of  the  previous 
English  versions  of  the  Iliad,  nor  to  extenuate  my  obli 
gations  to  some  of  them.  I  acknowledge  that  although 
Homer  is,  as  Cowper  has  well  observed,  the  most  per 
spicuous  of  poets,  I  have  been  sometimes,  perhaps 
often,  guided  by  the  labors  of  my  predecessors  to  a  bet 
ter  mode  of  dealing  with  certain  refractory  passages  of 
my  author  than  I  should  otherwise  have  found.  Let 
me,  without  detracting  from  their  merits,  state  what  I 
have  endeavored  to  do.  I  have  endeavored  to  be 
strictly  faithful  in  my  rendering  ;  to  add  nothing  of  my 
own,  and  to  give  the  reader,  so  far  as  our  language 


iv  Preface. 

would  allow,  all  that  I  found  in  the  original.  There 
are,  however,  in  Homer,  frequently  recurring,  certain 
expressions  which  are  merely  a  kind  of  poetical  finery, 
introduced  when  they  are  convenient  to  fill  out  a  line  or 
to  give  it  a  sonorous  termination,  and  omitted  when 
they  are  not  needed  for  this  purpose.  The  Greeks,  for 
example,  almost  whenever  they  are  spoken  of,  are  mag 
nanimous,  or  valiant,  or  warlike,  or  skilled  in  taming 
steeds  :  the  Trojans  are  magnanimous  also,  and  valiant, 
and  warlike,  and  equally  eminent  in  horsemanship. 
The  warriors  of  the  Iliad  are  all  sons  of  some  magnani 
mous  or  warlike  parent.  Achilles  is  the  son  of  Peleus, 
and  Peleus  is  magnanimous  ;  and  these  epithets  are  re 
peated  upon  page  after  page  throughout  the  poem. 
Achilles  is  spoken  of  as  swift-footed  or  godlike  almost 
whenever  he  appears,  and  sometimes  is  honored  by  both 
epithets.  Hector  is  illustrious,  and  knightly,  and  dis 
tinguished  by  his  beamy  crest.  Even  the  coxcomb 
Paris,  for  whom  Homer  seems  to  entertain  a  proper 
contempt,  is  godlike.  These  complimentary  additions 
to  the  name  of  the  warrior  are,  however,  dispensed  with 
whenever  the  hexameter  is  rounded  to  a  well-sounding 
conclusion  without  them.  Where  they  appear  in  the 
Greek,  I  have  in  nearly  all  instances  retained  them, 
making  Achilles  swift-footed  and  Ulysses  fertile  in  re 
sources,  to  the  end  of  the  poem  ;  but  in  a  very  few 
cases,  where  they  embarrassed  the  versification,  I  have 
used  the  liberty  taken  by  Homer  himself,  and  left  them 
out.  Everywhere  else  it  has  been  my  rule  not  to  ex 
clude  from  the  translation  anything  which  I  found  in 
the  text  of  my  author. 

There  is  another  point  in  regard  to  which  I  have 
taken  equal  pains,  and  which  seems  to  me  equally  im 
portant.  I  have  endeavored  to  preserve  the  simplicity 
of  style  which  distinguishes  the  old  Greek  poet,  who 


Preface.  v 

wrote  for  the  popular  ear  and  according  to  the  genius 
of  his  language,  and  I  have  chosen  such  English  as 
offers  no  violence  to  the  ordinary  usages  and  structure 
of  our  own.  I  have  sought  to  attain  what  belongs  to 
the  original,  —  a  fluent  narrative  style,  which  shall  carry 
the  reader  forward  without  the  impediment  of  unex 
pected  inversions  and  capricious  phrases,  and  in  which, 
if  he  find  nothing  to  stop  at  and  admire,  there  will  at 
least  be  nothing  to  divert  his  attention  from  the  story 
and  the  characters  of  the  poem,  from  the  events  related 
and  the  objects  described.  1  think  that  not  many 
readers  of  the  present  day  would  agree  with  Pope,  who, 
as  Spence  relates,  after  remarking  that  he  had  nothing 
to  say  for  rhyme,  went  on  to  observe  that  he  doubted 
whether  a  poem  could  be  supported  without  it  in  our 
language,  unless  it  were  stiffened  with  such  strange 
words  as  would  destroy  our  language  itself.  It  is  re 
markable  that  this  should  have  been  said  by  one  who 
had  given  the  reading  world  an  edition  of  Shakespeare, 
in  whose  dramas  are  to  be  found  passages  of  blank- 
verse  which  might  be  instanced  as  the  perfection  of  that 
form  of  versification,  —  not  to  be  excelled  in  sweetness 
of  modulation,  and  grace  and  freedom  of  language, — 
without  a  single  harsh  inversion,  or  any  of  that  clumsy 
stiffening  which  Pope  so  disapproved,  yet  seemed  to 
think  so  necessary.  The  other  dramatists  of  the  Eliza 
bethan  period  also  supply  examples  of  the  same  noble 
simplicity  of  language  and  construction,  suited  to  the 
highest  poetry.  In  this  translation  the  natural  order  of 
the  words  has  been  carefully  preserved,  as  far  as  the 
exigencies  of  versification  would  allow,  and  I  have  ven 
tured  only  upon  those  easy  deviations  from  it  which 
form  no  interruptions  to  the  sense,  and  at  most  only  re 
mind  the  reader  that  he  is  reading  verse. 

I   have  chosen   blank-verse   for  this  reason  among 


vi  Preface. 

others,  that  it  enabled  me  to  keep  more  closely  to  Cne 
original  in  my  rendering,  without  any  sacrifice  either  of 
ease  or  of  spirit  in  the  expression.  The  use  of  rhyme 
in  a  translation  is  a  constant  temptation  to  petty  infi 
delities,  and  to  the  employment  of  expressions  which 
have  an  air  of  constraint,  and  do  not  the  most  ade 
quately  convey  the  thought.  I  had  my  reasons  also  for 
not  adopting  the  ballad  measure,  which  some  have 
thought  to  allow  the  nearest  approach  to  the  manner  of 
Homer.  There  are,  it  is  true,  certain  affinities  between 
the  style  of  Homer  and  that  of  the  old  ballad  poems  of 
Great  Britain.  Both  were  the  productions  of  a  rude 
age ;  both  were  composed  to  be  sung  to  public  audi 
ences  ;  and  this  gave  occasion  to  certain  characteristics 
in  which  they  resemble  each  other.  But  the  Homeric 
poems,  as  it  seems  to  me,  are  beyond  the  popular  bal 
lads  of  any  modern  nation  in  reach  of  thought  and  in 
richness  of  phraseology  ;  and  if  I  had  adopted  that  form 
of  poetry  there  would  have  been,  besides  the  disadvan 
tage  of  rhyme,  a  temptation  to  make  the  version  con 
form  in  style  and  spirit  to  the  old  ballads  of  our  own 
literature,  in  a  degree  which  the  original  does  not  war 
rant,  and  which,  as  I  think,  would  lead  to  some  sacrifice 
of  its  dignity.  I  did  not  adopt  the  hexameter  verse, 
principally  for  the  reason  that  in  our  language  it  is  con 
fessedly  an  imperfect  form  of  versification,  the  true 
rhythm  of  which  it  is  difficult  for  those  whose  ear  is  ac 
customed  only  to  our  ordinary  metres  to  perceive.  I 
found  that  I  could  not  possibly  render  the  Greek  hexam 
eters  line  for  line,  like  Voss  in  his  marvellous  German 
version,  in  which  he  has  not  only  done  this,  but  gen 
erally  preserved  the  pauses  in  the  very  part  of  the  line 
in  which  Homer  placed  them.  We  have  so  many  short 
words  in  English,  and  so  few  of  the  connective  particles 
which  are  lavishly  used  by  Homer,  that  often  when  I 


Preface.  vii 

reached  the  end  of  the  Greek  line  I  found  myself  only 
in  the  middle  of  my  line  in  English.  This  difficulty 
of  subduing  the  thought  —  by  compression  or  expan 
sion  of  phrase  —  to  the  limits  it  must  fill  would  alone 
have  been  sufficient  to  deter  me  from  attempting  a 
translation  in  hexameters.  I  therefore  fell  back  upon 
blank-verse,  which  has  been  the  vehicle  of  some  of  the 
noblest  poetry  in  our  language  ;  both  because  it  seemed 
to  me  by  the  flexibility  of  its  construction  best  suited  to 
a  narrative  poem,  and  because,  while  it  enabled  me  to 
give  the  sense  of  my  author  more  perfectly  than  any 
other  form  of  verse,  it  allowed  me  also  to  avoid  in  a 
greater  degree  the  appearance  of  constraint  which  is 
too  apt  to  belong  to  a  translation. 

I  make  no  apology  for  employing  in  my  version  the 
names  Jupiter,  Juno,  Venus,  and  others  of  Latin  origin, 
for  Zeus,  Here,  Aphrodite,  and  other  Greek  names  of 
the  deities  of  whom  Homer  speaks.  The  names  which 
I  have  adopted  have  been  naturalized  in  our  language 
for  centuries,  and  some  of  them,  as  Mercury,  Vulcan, 
and  Dian,  have  even  been  provided  with  English  ter 
minations.  I  was  translating  from  Greek  into  English, 
and  I  therefore  translated  the  names  of  the  gods,  as 
well  as  the  other  parts  of  the  poem. 

In  explanation  of  what  may  appear  to  some  readers 
an  unauthorized  abridgment  of  the  famous  simile  of  the 
moon  and  stars  at  the  end  of  the  Eighth  Book,  I  will 
mention  here,  by  way  of  note,  —  the  only  one  which  I 
shall  have  occasion  to  make,  —  that  in  translating  I 
have  omitted  two  lines  of  the  text,  which  the  best  critics 
regard  as  not  properly  belonging  to  it,  but  as  trans 
ferred  by  some  interpolator  from  another  simile  in  the 
Sixteenth  Book,  where  they  are  found  in  their  proper 
place. 

In  the  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  Iliad  which 


viii  Preface. 

the  work  of  translation  has  given  me,  an  impression  has 
been  revived  which  was  made  upon  my  mind  when  in 
my  boyhood  I  first  read  that  poem  in  an  English  ver 
sion.  I  recollect  very  well  the  eager  curiosity  with 
which  I  seized  upon  the  translation  of  Pope  when  it 
came  within  my  reach,  and  with  what  avidity  I  ran 
through  the  pages  which  rendered  into  our  language 
what  was  acknowledged  to  be  the  greatest  production 
of  poetic  genius  that  the  world  had  seen.  I  read  with 
a  deep  interest  for  the  fate  of  Troy,  and  with  a  kindly 
feeling  toward  Hector,  whose  part  I  took  warmly  against 
the  bloodthirsty  Achilles  ;  and  great  as  might  have 
been  the  guilt  of  Paris,  I  read  with  an  earnest  wish 
that  Troy  might  be  delivered  from  its  besiegers.  When 
I  came  to  the  end  of  the  poem,  I  laid  it  down  with  a 
feeling  of  disappointment.  I  was  not  told,  save  in  cer 
tain  dim  predictions,  what  became  of  Troy,  which  the 
Greeks  had  mustered  from  so  many  regions  to  besiege, 
nor  what  was  the  fate  of  the  mild  and  venerable  Priam, 
and  the  aged  Hecuba,  and  Andromache,  the  gentle  and 
affectionate  wife,  and  her  infant  son,  —  personages  for 
whose  fortunes  the  poet  had  so  powerfully  awakened 
my  concern  and  my  curiosity.  Helen,  to  recover  whom 
the  war  was  waged,  was  still  in  Troy,  and  Paris,  her 
effeminate  husband,  was  still  alive  and  unharmed. 
Why  the  Trojans,  who  hated  Paris  —  why  Hector  and 
the  other  sons  of  Priam,  who  disapproved  of  their 
brother's  conduct  —  why  Priam  himself,  who  is  never 
said  to  have  approved  of  it,  did  not  insist  that  the  se 
ducer  should  restore  Helen  to  her  first  and  proper  hus 
band,  for  whom  she  seems  to  have  still  entertained  a 
lingering  regard,  I  could  never  imagine.  Particularly 
strange  it  seemed  that  Paris  was  not  forced  by  his 
countrymen  to  give  up  Helen  after  the  combat  between 
him  and  Menelaus,  in  which  he  was  clearly  overcome. 


Preface.  ix 

and  by  the  terms  of  the  solemn  treaty  which  preceded 
the  duel  was  bound  to  restore  his  stolen  bride  and  her 
wealth  to  the  Greeks.  The  poet  has  chosen  to  leave 
that  circumstance  without  adequate  explanation.  The 
breaking  of  the  truce  by  Pandarus,  and  the  sudden  re 
newal  of  the  war  in  consequence,  does  not  explain  it, 
for  afterwards,  in  the  Seventh  Book,  we  have  Antenor 
proposing,  in  council,  to  restore  Helen  and  her  wealth, 
as  a  certain  way  of  ending  the  war,  —  a  proposal  which 
is  not  adopted  simply  because  Paris  objects  to  it. 
Paris  would  not  consent  to  restore  Helen,  and  the  Tro 
jan  princes  and  leaders,  as  if  Paris  were  their  absolute 
monarch,  allowed  him  to  have  his  way,  and  to  prolong 
a  war  which  Hector  foresaw  —  as  he  says  in  the  famous 
interview  with  Andromache  —  was  to  end  in  the  de 
struction  of  Troy.  The  impression  to  which  I  refer 
has  been  confirmed  by  the  minute  study  which  I  have 
recently  made  of  the  poem.  I  can  make  nothing  of  it 
but  a  detached  chapter  of  the  poetic  history  of  the  Tro 
jan  war,  — •  an  episode  in  the  narrative  of  that  long 
siege  which  was  to  be  concluded  by  a  greater  event 
than  any  recorded  in  the  Iliad,  the  taking  of  the  city  of 
Troy  ;  —  a  work  of  an  inexhaustible  imagination,  with 
characters  vigorously  drawn  and  finely  discriminated, 
and  incidents  rapidly  succeeding  each  other  and  infi 
nitely  diversified,  —  everywhere  a  noble  simplicity,  mel 
lifluous  numbers,  and  images  of  beauty  and  grandeur  ; 
yet  everywhere  indications  that  the  poem  had  a  con 
tinuation.  It  is  full  of  references  to  events  which  are 
yet  to  be  related,  and  provokes  a  desire  for  further  dis 
closures,  which  it  fails  to  gratify.  There  are  frequent 
allusions  to  the  brief  term  of  life  allotted  to  Achilles, 
and  several,  one  of  which  I  have  already  mentioned,  to 
the  final  capture  of  Troy.  Thetis  predicts  that  her 
son,  perishing  almost  immediately  after  taking  the  life 


x  Preface. 

of  Hector,  will  not  live  to  see  the  fall  of  the  besieged 
city.  The  audiences  before  whom  the  books  of  the 
Iliad  were  recited  by  the  minstrels  would  naturally  say  : 
''  You  speak  of  the  capture  of  Troy  ;  tell  us  how  it  was 
taken  at  last.  Achilles,  the  mightiest  of  warriors,  you 
say,  was  to  be  slain  soon  after  the  death  of  Hector. 
Relate  the  manner  of  his  death,  and  how  it  was  re 
ceived  by  the  Greeks  and  the  Trojans.  Describe  his 
funeral,  as  you  described  those  of  his  friend  Patroclus 
and  his  adversary  Hector.  Tell  us  what  became  of 
Andromache,  and  Astyanax,  her  son,  and  all  the  royal 
family  of  Priam."  Thus  may  we  suppose  that,  until 
Aristotle  arose  to  demonstrate  the  contrary,  the  fable 
of  the  Iliad  must  have  appeared  to  the  general  mind  to 
be  incomplete. 

Let  me  say  a  word  or  two  of  the  personage  whom  the 
critics  call  the  hero  of  the  Iliad.  Achilles  is  ill-used  by 
Agamemnon,  the  general-in-chief  of  the  Greeks,  —  and 
so  far  he  has  the  sympathy  of  the  reader  ;  but  he  is  a  fero 
cious  barbarian  at  best,  and  as  the  narrative  proceeds, 
he  loses  all  title  to  our  interest.  His  horrid  prayer  that 
the  Greeks  may  be  slaughtered  by  thousands  until  they 
learn  to  despise  a  monarch  who  has  done  him  a  per 
sonal  injury,  and  his  inhuman  delight  in  the  havoc 
made  of  them  by  the  Trojans  under  Hector,  cause  us  to 
turn  from  him  with  the  horror  and  aversion  due  to  a 
selfish  and  cruel  nature  which  imposes  no  reserve  or  re 
straint  upon  its  own  impulses.  His  warm  affection  for 
his  gentle  friend  and  companion,  Patroclus,  partly  re 
stores  him  to  our  favor  ;  but  his  pitiless  treatment  of  the 
Trojans  who  supplicate  him  for  quarter,  and  his  capture 
of  twelve  Trojan  youths  in  order  to  cut  their  throats  at 
the  funeral  pile  of  Patroclus,  as  he  afterwards  does  in 
cold  blood,  bring  back  our  disgust  ;  and  when  Hector 
with  his  dying  voice  warns  him  of  his  approaching 


Preface.  xi 

death,  the  reader  has  no  objection  to  offer.  If  Achilles 
be  the  hero  of  the  poem,  the  poet  has  not  succeeded  in 
obtaining  for  him  either  our  good  opinion  or  our  good 
wishes.  In  the  fortunes  of  Hector,  however,  whose 
temper  is  noble  and  generous,  who  while  grieving  at  the 
crime  of  Paris  defends  his  country  with  all  his  valor, 
whose  charactei  is  as  gentle  and  affectionate  as  it  is 
spirited  and  manly,  it  is  impossible  for  the  reader  not  to 
feel  a  strong  interest.  The  last  book  of  the  Iliad  re 
lates  the  recovery  of  his  dead  body  from  the  Greeks,  and 
the  celebration  of  his  funeral  in  Troy.  In  this  book, 
also,  the  character  of  Achilles  appears  less  unamiablc, 
since  he  grants  the  rites  of  hospitality  to  Priam,  and  is 
persuaded  by  his  entreaties  to  restore,  for  a  princely 
ransom,  the  dead  body  of  Hector,  contrary  to  his  first 
resolution.  It  is  to  be  observed,  however,  that  he  is 
moved  to  this,  not  by  his  own  native  magnanimity,  but 
by  considerations  which  indirectly  relate  to  himself,  — 
that  is  to  say,  by  being  artfully  led  to  think  of  his  own 
father,  Peleus,  an  aged  man  like  Priam,  anxiously  wait 
ing  in  his  distant  palace  for  the  return  of  his  son  from 
the  war,  and  fearing  that  he  may  never  behold  him 
again.  Once  in  the  interview  with  Priam  the  fierce  and 
brutal  nature  of  Achilles  breaks  out  in  threats,  which 
terrify  the  old  king  into  silence.  Priam  is  himself 
warned  by  the  gods  that  he  is  not  safe  in  remaining 
overnight  in  the  tent  of  Achilles,  and,  lest  he  should  not 
be  protected  from  the  ferocity  of  Agamemnon,  with 
draws  by  stealth  in  the  darkness  and  returns  to  Troy. 

I  have  no  answer  to  make  to  those  who  regard  it  as  a 
blemish  in  the  great  work  of  Homer  that  he  represents 
the  gods  in  their  dealings  with  men  as  governed,  for  the 
most  part,  by  motives  either  mean  and  base,  or  frivo 
lous  and  childish.  In  the  Trojan  war  everything  hap 
pens  by  their  direction  or  their  prompting.  In  the  sys- 


xii  Preface. 

tern  of  Homer  it  is  they  who  stir  up  men  to  strife,  who 
bring  on  the  battles,  promote  the  slaughter,  and  bring 
it  to  an  end,  urge  the  personages  of  the  fable  to  ruinous 
follies  and  imprudences,  and  give  or  withhold  victory  at 
their  pleasure  ;  and  in  all  this  their  rule  is  not  one  of 
justice  and  beneficence,  but  of  caprice.  Their  favor  is 
purchased  by  hecatombs,  and  their  hatred  incurred  by 
acts  which  have  no  moral  quality  that  should  give  of 
fence  to  an  upright  judge.  They  are  debauched,  mer 
cenary,  rapacious,  and  cruel ;  they  dwell  in  a  world  in 
which  the  rules  of  right  and  the  maxims  necessary  to 
the  well-being  of  human  society  find  no  recognition.  It 
was  for  this  reason  that  Plato,  the  earliest  author  of  an 
Index  expurgatorius,  forbade  the  circulation  of  the 
writings  of  the  Greek  poets  in  his  imaginary  common 
wealth. 

Yet  let  me  say  this  in  favor  of  my  author,  that  in  one 
part  of  the  poem  the  absolute  rectitude  of  the  Divine 
government  is  solemnly  recognized.  In  the  Third  Book 
of  the  Iliad,  a  truce  is  agreed  upon  between  the  Trojans 
and  the  Greeks,  while  Menelaus  and  Paris  are  to  decide 
by  single  combat  the  quarrel  which  has  occasioned 
the  siege  of  Troy.  A  compact  is  made,  according  to 
which  the  victor  is  to  possess  Helen  and  her  wealth,  and 
the  Trojans  and  Greeks  are  ever  afterward  to  remain 
friends  and  allies.  The  gods  are  invoked  to  be  wit 
nesses  of  the  treaty,  and  to  pursue  with  their  vengeance 
those  by  whom  it  shall  be  violated,  whether  they  be 
Greeks  or  Trojans.  Few  passages  in  the  Iliad  are 
more  striking  or  of  graver  import  than  this  appeal  to  the 
justice  of  the  gods,  —  this  testimony,  given  by  two  war 
ring  nations,  of  their  confidence  in  the  equity  with 
which  the  immortals  govern  the  world.  Paris  is  over 
come  by  Menelaus  in  the  combat ;  the  truce  is  broken 
by  a  Trojan,  who  wounds  Menelaus  severely  ;  the  treaty 


Preface.  xiii 

is  not  fulfilled  by  delivering  up  Helen  ;  and,  as  the  ac 
tion  of  the  poem  proceeds  in  the  next  book,  Agamem 
non  exhorts  the  Greeks  to  fight  valiantly,  in  the  full  as 
surance  that  Jupiter  and  the  other  gods  will  never  per 
mit  treachery  to  remain  unpunished  ;  and  accordingly 
he  predicts  a  terrible  retribution  already  hanging  over 
Troy.  And  whatever  may  be  our  admiration  for  the 
amiable  and  noble  qualities  of  Hector,  and  our  sym 
pathy  for  the  thousands  of  innocent  persons  dwelling  in 
his  populous  city,  it  cannot  be  denied  that  the  interfer 
ence  of  the  gods  in  the  affairs  of  Troy  leads  in  the  end 
to  a  great  result  consistent  with  substantial  justice. 
Paris,  the  violator  of  the  laws  of  hospitality,  the  adul 
terer  and  robber,  is  sheltered,  protected,  and  counte 
nanced  in  Troy,  —  the  Trojan  people  make  themselves 
partakers  in  his  guilt  ;  and  in  the  end  they  share  in  its 
punishment.  Hector,  the  prop  of  their  state,  the  cham 
pion  in  whom  they  put  their  trust,  is  slain  ;  and  we  are 
allowed,  by  means  of  predictions,  a  glimpse  of  the  com 
ing  destruction  of  Troy,  and  learn  that  the  sceptre  of 
the  kingdom  will  pass  from  the  house  of  Priam,  whose 
son  committed  the  crime  which  led  to  the  war,  and  will 
be  swayed  by  the  posterity  of  the  blameless  ^Lneas. 

Here  I  leave  my  translation  in  the  hands  of  the  read 
ing  public,  who,  if  they  do  not  wholly  neglect  it,  will 
judge  whether  I  have  made  any  approach  toward  the 
fulfilment  of  the  design  set  forth  in  the  beginning  of 

this  Preface. 

W.  C.  BRYANT. 

DECEMBER,  1869. 


CONTENTS    OF    VOL.  I. 


BOOK    I. 

THE   CONTENTION   OF   ACHILLES  AND  AGAMEMNON. 

Page 

The  Visit  of  Cliryses,  Priest  of  Apollo,  to  Agamemnon,  asking  the 
Ransom  of  his  Daughter. —  Refusal  of  Agamemnon.  —  A  Pesti 
lence  sent  by  Apollo  upon  the  Greek  Army.  —  A  Council  called  by 
Achilles.  —  The  Cause  of  the  Pestilence  declared  by  the  Seer  Cal- 
chas.  —  Dispute  between  Agamemnon  and  Achilles,  which  ends 
with  the  taking  away  of  Briseis  from  Achilles.  —  The  Daughter  of 
Chryses  restored  to  him.  —  Visit  of  Thetis  to  Jupiter,  who  promises 
to  avenge  Achilles.  —  Mutual  Chiding  of  Jupiter  and  Juno.  .  t 

BOOK    II. 

THE  TRIAL  OF  THE  ARMY,  AND  CATALOGUE  OF  THE  FORCES. 

A  treacherous  Dream  sent  by  Jupiter  to  Agamemnon,  who  assembles 
tli  Army  in  the  Hope  to  take  Troy.  —  Debate  of  the  Chiefs  in 
Council.  —  Agamemnon  pretends  a  Desire  to  return  to  Greece,  in 
Order  to  try  the  Disposition  of  the  Army.  —  Insolent  Speech  of 
Thersites,  and  his  Punishment  by  Ulysses  —  Advice  of  Nestor  to 
review  the  Troops.  —  Catalogue  of  the  Troops  and  Ships.  —  Enu 
meration  of  the  Trojan  Forces. 28 

BOOK    III. 

SINGLE  COMBAT  OF  MENELAUS  AND  PARIS. 

Proposal  of  Hector  to  end  the  War  by  a  Duel  between  Menelaus  and 
Paris,  the  Victor  to  possess  Helen  and  her  Wealth.  —  Priam  and 
Helen  behold  the  Combat  —  Description  of  the  principal  Greek 
Princes  and  Chiefs,  given  by  Helen  to  Priam.  —  Paris  snatched 
away  from  the  Combat  by  Venus,  as  he  was  in  Danger  of  being 
slain,  and  conveyed  to  the  Bedchamber  of  Helen 67 


xvi  Contents. 

BOOK   IV. 

THE   BREAKING   OF   THE  TRUCE,   AND   THE   FIRST   BATTLE 

A  Council  of  the  Gods,  who  decide  that  the  War  shall  go  on.  — 
Minerva  sent  down  to  cause  the  Breaking  of  the  Truce.  —  Fan- 
darus  persuaded  by  her  to  aim  an  Arrow  at  Menelaus,  who  is 
wounded  by  it,  and  healed  by  Machaon.  —  Exhortations  of  Aga 
memnon  addressed  to  the  Greek  Chiefs  —  A  furious  Battle,  and 
great  Slaughter  on  both  Sides. .87 

BOOK    V. 

THE  EXPLOITS   OF  DIOMED. 

The  Valor  of  Diomed,  aided  by  Minerva.  —  He  is  wounded  by  Pan- 
darus,  and  healed  by  the  Goddess,  who  forbids  him  to  fight  with 
any  of  the  Immortals,  save  Venus.  —  His  Combat  with  Pandarus 
and  .(Eneas.  —  Pandarus  slain,  and  ./Eneas,  wounded  and  in  great 
Danger,  rescued  by  Venus,  who  in  the  act  is  wounded  by  Diomed, 
and  leaves  ./Eneas  to  the  Care  of  Apollo.  —  Descent  of  Mars  to 
the  Field  in  Aid  of  Hector.  —  Return  of  ^Eneas  to  the  Field.  — 
Descent  of  Juno  and  Minerva  to  resist  Mars,  who  is  wounded  by 
Diomed.  —  Return  of  the  Gods  to  Heaven in 

BOOK    VI. 

INTERVIEWS   BETWEEN  GLAUCUS  AND  DIOMED,  AND  HECTOR 
AND  ANDROMACHE. 

Successes  of  the  Greeks.  —  Hector  recalled  to  Troy  by  Helenus,  to 
appoint  a  Procession  of  the  Trojan  Matrons  to  the  Temple  of 
Minerva.  —  Meeting  of  Glaucus  and  Diomed,  who  recognize  each 
other  as  old  Friends.  —  Their  Exchange  of  Weapons.  —  Meeting 
of  Hector  and  Andromache,  and  Return  of  Hector  and  Paris  to 
the  Field.  ........  ....  151 

BOOK    VII. 

THE  COMBAT  OF   HECTOR  AND  AJAX. 

Prowess  of  Hector.  —  Meeting  of  Minerva  and  Apollo  near  the 
Scaean  Gates.  —  They  incite  Hector  to  challenge  the  Greeks  to 
a  Single  Combat.  —  Ajax  selected  by  Lot  to  meet  Hector.  —  The 
Combat  ended  by  the  Night  — Proposal  of  Antenor  to  deliver 


Contents.  xvii 

Helen  to  the  Greeks.  —  Refusal  of  Paris,  who  offers  to  restore  her 
Wealth.  — Rejection  of  this  Offer  by  Agamemnon.  — A  Truce  for 
burying  the  Dead. — The  Greek  Camp  fortified.  ....  174 

BOOK    VIII. 

THE  SECOND   BATTLE. 

A  Council  of  the  Gods.  —  Jupiter  forbids  them  to  take  Part  with 
either  Side.  —  Minerva  permitted  to  advise  the  Greeks.  —  Begin 
ning  of  the  Second  Battle.  — The  Fate  of  the  tsvo  Armies  weighed 
in  the  Scales  by  Jupiter.  —  Nestor  rescued  by  Dioined.  —  Ex 
ploits  of  Diomed  and  of  Hector.  —  Neptune  denies  the  Request  of 
Juno  to  aid  the  Greeks.  —  Teucer  wounded  by  Hector.  — Juno 
and  Minerva  restrained  by  Jupiter  from  going  to  the  Aid  of  the 
Greeks,  who  are  driven  within  their  Intrenchments.  —  The  Tro 
jans  pass  the  Night  before  the  Greek  Camp,  and  kindle  Fires 
around  it 196 

BOOK    IX. 

THE   EMBASSY  TO  ACHILLES. 

Agamemnon's  Proposal  to  raise  the  Siege  opposed  by  Diomed  and 
Nestor.  —  A  Council.  —  Ulysses,  Ajax,  and  Phoenix  sent  to 
Achilles  to  request  a  Reconciliation.  —  Their  Reception,  their 
Persuasions,  and  their  111  Success 220 

BOOK    X. 

THE   NIGHT-ADVENTURE  OF  DIOMED  AND   ULYSSES. 

Agamemnon's  Distress  at  the  Obstinacy  of  Achilles.  —  Consults  with 
Menelaus,  Nestor,  Ulysses,  and  Diomed.  — A  Council.  —  Dioined 
and  Ulysses  set  out  for  the  Enemy's  Camp  to  learn  his  Designs. 
—  Death  of  Dolon,  the  Trojan  Spy.  — Rhesus  the  Thracian  killed 
in  his  Tent  and  his  Horses  taken 251 


BOOK    XI. 

THE  THIRD   BATTLE,   AND   EXPLOITS  OF  AGAMEMNON. 

Renewal  of  the  Fight  by  Agamemnon.  —  His   Prowess.  —  Hector 
warned  by  Iris  not  to  fight  till  Agamemnon  is  wounded.  —  Aga- 


xviii  Contents. 


memnon  disabled. —  Hector  makes  great  Havoc  till  checked  by 
Ulysses  and  Diomed.  —  Diomed  wounded  by  Paris,  and  rescued 
by  Ajax,  who  rallies  the  Greeks.  —  Machaon  wounded.  —  Conver 
sations  of  Nestor  and  Patroclus 276 


BOOK    XII. 

THE  BATTLE  AT  THE  GRECIAN   WALL. 

Division  of  the  Trojan  Army,  by  Advice  of  Polydamas,  into  Five 
Bodies,  to  storm  the  Greek  Intrenchments.  —  A  Breach  in  the 
Wall  made  by  Sarpedon.  —  One  of  the  Gates  beaten  open  by 
Hector  with  a  Stone.  —  His  Entrance  at  the  Head  of  his  Troops.  312 


THE     ILIAD. 


BOOK    I. 

O  GODDESS  !  sing  the  wrath  of  Peleus;  son, 
Achilles  ;  sing  the  deadly  wrath  that  brought 
Woes  numberless  upon  the  Greeks,  and  swept 
To  Hades  many  a  valiant  soul,  and  gave 
Their  limbs  a  prey  to  dogs  and  birds  of  air, —       5 
For  so  had  Jove  appointed,  —  from  the  time 
When  the  two  chiefs,  Atrides,  king  of  men, 
And  great  Achilles,  parted  first  as  foes. 

Which  of  the  gods  put  strife  between  the  chiefs, 
That  they  should  thus  contend  ?     Latona's  son      « 
And  Jove's.     Incensed  against  the  king,  he  bade 
A  deadly  pestilence  appear  among 
The  army,  and  the  men  were  perishing. 
For  Atreus'  son  with  insult  had  received 
Chryses  the  priest,  who  to  the  Grecian  fleet 
Came  to  redeem  his  daughter,  offering 
Uncounted  ransom.     In  his  hand  he  bore 
The  fillets  of  Apollo,  archer-god, 
Upon  the  golden  sceptre,  and  he  sued 


2  The  Iliad. 

To  all  the  Greeks,  but  chiefly  to  the  sons 
Of  Atreus,  the  two  leaders  of  the  host :  — 

"  Ye  sons  of  Atreus,  and  ye  other  chiefs, 
Well-greaved  Achaians,  may  the  gods  who  dwell 
Upon  Olympus  give  you  to  o'erthrow 
The  city  of  Priam,  and  in  safety  reach 
Your  homes  ;  but  give  me  my  beloved  child, 
And  take  her  ransom,  honoring  him  who  sends 
His  arrows  far,  Apollo,  son  of  Jove." 

Then  all  the  other  Greeks,  applauding,  bade 
Revere  the  priest  and  take  the  liberal  gifts 
He  offered,  but  the  counsel  did  not  please 
Atrides  Agamemnon  ;  he  dismissed 
The  priest  with  scorn, and  added  threatening  words  :- 

"  Old  man,  let  me  not  find  thee  loitering  here, 
Beside  the  roomy  ships,  or  coming  back 
Hereafter,  lest  the  fillet  thou  dost  bear 
And  sceptre  of  thy  god  protect  thee  not. 
This  maiden  I  release  not  till  old  age 
Shall  overtake  her  in  my  Argive  home, 
Far  from  her  native  country,  where  her  hand 
Shall  throw  the  shuttle  and  shall  dress  my  couch. 
Go,  chafe  me  not,  if  thou  wouldst  safely  go." 

He  spake  ;  the  aged  man  in  fear  obeyed 
The  mandate,  and  in  silence  walked  apart,  • 
Along  the  many-sounding  ocean-side, 
And  fervently  he  prayed  the  monarch-god, 
Apollo,  golden-haired  Latona's  son  :  — 

"  Hear  me,  thou  bearer  of  the  silver  bow, 


Book  I.  : 

Who  guardest  Chrysa,  and  the  holy  isle 

Of  Cilia,  and  art  lord  in  Tenedos, 

O  Smintheus !  if  I  ever  helped  to  deck 

Thy  glorious  temple,  if  I  ever  burned 

Upon  thy  altar  the  fat  thighs  of  goats 

And  bullocks,  grant  my  prayer,  and  let  thy  shafts 

Avenge  upon  the  Greeks  the  tears  I  shed."  i 

So  spake  he  supplicating,  and  to  him 
Phoebus  Apollo  hearkened.     Down  he  came, 
Down  from  the  summit  of  the  Olympian  mount, 
Wrathful  in  heart ;  his  shoulders  bore  the  bow 
And  hollow  quiver ;  there  the  arrows  rang  < 

Upon  the  shoulders  of  the  angry  god, 
As  on  he  moved.     He  came  as  comes  the  night, 
And,  seated  from  the  ships  aloof,  sent  forth 
An  arrow ;  terrible  was  heard  the  clang 
Of  that  resplendent  bow.     At  first  he  smote          < 
The  mules  and  the  swift  dogs,  and  then  on  man 
He  turned  the  deadly  arrow.     All  around 
Glared  evermore  the  frequent  funeral  piles. 
Nine  clays  already  had  his  shafts  been  showered 
Among  the  host,  and  now,  upon  the  tenth,  : 

Achilles  called  the  people  of  the  camp 
To  council.     Juno,  of  the  snow-white  arms, 
Had  moved  his  mind  to  this,  for  she  beheld 
With  sorrow  that  the  men  were  perishing. 
And  when  the  assembly  met  and  now  was  full,      : 
Stood  swift  Achilles  in  the  midst  and  said  :  — 

"  To  me  it  seems,  Atrides,  that  't  were  well, 


4  TJic  Iliad. 

Since  now  our  aim  is  baffled,  to  return 

Homeward,  if  death  o'ertake  us  not;  for  war 

And  pestilence  at  once  destroy  the  Greeks.  *> 

But  let  us  first  consult  some  seer  or  priest, 

Or  dream-interpreter,  —  for  even  dreams 

Are  sent  by  Jove,  —  and  ask  him  by  what  cause 

Phcebus  Apollo  has  been  angered  thus ; 

If  by  neglected  vows  or  hecatombs,  »5 

And  whether  savor  of  fat  bulls  and  goats 

May  move  the  god  to  stay  the  pestilence." 

He  spake,  and  took  again  his  seat ;  and  next 
Rose  Calchas,  son  of  Thestor,  and  the  chief 
.  Of  augurs,  one  to  whom  were  known  things  past    9^ 
And  present  and  to  come.     He,  through  the  art 
Of  divination,  which  Apollo  gave, 
Had  guided  Iliumward  the  ships  of  Greece. 
With  words  well  ordered  courteously  he  spake  :  — 

"  Achilles,  loved  of  Jove,  thou  biddest  me          95 
Explain  the  wrath  of  Phcebus,  monarch-god, 
Who  sends  afar  his  arrows.     Willingly 
Will  I  make  known  the  cause  ;  but  covenant  thou, 
And  swear  to  stand  prepared,  by  word  and  hand, 
To  bring  me  succor.     For  my  mind  misgives         ^ 
That  he  who  rules  the  Argives,  and  to  whom 
The  Achaian  race  are  subject,  will  be  wroth. 
A  sovereign  is  too  strong  for  humbler  men, 
And  though  he  keep  his  choler  down  awhile, 
It  rankles,  till  he  sate  it,  in  his  heart.  105 

And  now  consider  :  wilt  thou  hold  me  safe  ?  " 


Book  I.  5 

Achilles,  the  swift-footed,  answered  thus  :  — 
"  Fear  nothing,  but  speak  boldly  out  whate'er 
Thou  knowest,  and  declare  the  will  of  Heaven. 
For  by  Apollo,  dear  to  Jove,  whom  thou,  ,,0 

Calchas,  dost  pray  to,  when  thou  givest  forth 
The  sacred  oracles  to  men  of  Greece, 
No  man,  while  yet  I  live,  and  see  the  light 
Of  day,  shall  lay  a  violent  hand  on  thee 
Among  our  roomy  ships  ;  no  man  of  all  115 

The  Grecian  armies,  though  thou  name  the  name 
Of  Agamemnon,  whose  high  boast  it  is 
To  stand  in  power  and  rank  above  them  all." 

Encouraged  thus,  the  blameless  seer  went  on  :  — 
"  'T  is  not  neglected  vows  or  hecatombs  i--c 

That  move  him,  but  the  insult  shown  his  priest, 
Whom  Agamemnon  spurned,  when  he  refused 
To  set  his  daughter  free,  and  to  receive 
Her  ransom.     Therefore  sends  the  archer-god 
These  woes,  and  still  will  send  them  on  the  Greeks,  «=> 
Nor  ever  will  withdraw  his  heavy  hand 
From  our  destruction,  till  the  dark-eyed  maid 
Freely,  and  without  ransom,  be  restored 
To  her  beloved  father,  and  with  her 
A  sacred  hecatomb  to  Chrysa  sent.  130 

So  may  we  haply  pacify  the  god." 

Thus  having  said,  the  augur  took  his  seat. 
And  then  the  hero-son  of  Atreus  rose, 
VV7ide-ruling  Agamemnon,  greatly  chafed. 
His  gloomy  heart  was  full  of  wrath,  his  eyes          -35 


6  The  Iliad. 

Sparkled  like  fire  ;  he  fixed  a  menacing  look 
Full  on  the  augur  Calchas,  and  began  :  — 

"  Prophet  of  evil !  never  hadst  thou  yet 
A  cheerful  word  for  me.     To  mark  the  signs 
Of  coming  mischief  is  thy  great  delight.  MO 

Good  dost  thou  ne'er  foretell  nor  bring  to  pass. 
And  now  thou  pratest,  in  thine  auguries, 
Before  the  Greeks,  how  that  the  archer-god 
Afflicts  us  thus,  because  I  would  not  take 
The  costly  ransom  offered  to  redeem  HI 

The  virgin  child  of  Chryses.     'T  was  my  choice 
To  keep  her  with  me,  for  I  prize  her  more 
Than  Clytemnestra,  bride  of  my  young  years, 
And  deem  her  not  less  nobly  graced  than  she, 
In  form  and  feature,  mind  and  pleasing  arts.         150 
Yet  will  I  give  her  back,  if  that  be  best ; 
For  gladly  would  I  see  my  people  saved 
From  this  destruction.     Let  meet  recompense, 
Meantime,  be  ready,  that  I  be  not  left, 
Alone  of  all  the  Greeks,  without  my  prize.  ^ 

That  were  not  seemly.     All  of  you  perceive 
That  now  my  share  of  spoil  has  passed  from  me." 

To  him  the  great  Achilles,  swift  of  foot, 
Replied  :  "  Renowned  Atrides,  greediest 
Of  men,  where  wilt  thou  that  our  noble  Greeks     ^ 
Find  other  spoil  for  thee,  since  none  is  set 
Apart,  a  common  store  ?     The  trophies  brought 
From  towns  which  we  have  sacked  have  all  been 
shared 


Book  I.  7 

Among  us,  and  we  could  not  without  shame 
Bid  every  warrior  bring  his  portion  back.  ^ 

Yield,  then,  the  maiden  to  the  god,  and  we, 
The  Achaians,  freely  will  appoint  for  thee 
Threefold  and  fourfold  recompense,  should  Jove 
Give  up  to  sack  this  well-defended  Troy." 

Then  the  king  Agamemnon  answered  thus  : —  >v> 
"  Nay,  use  no  craft,  all  valiant  as  thou  art, 
Godlike  Achilles  ;  thou  hast  rot  the  power 
To  circumvent  nor  to  persuade  me  thus. 
Think'st  thou  that,  while  thou  keepest  safe  thy  prize, 
I  shall  sit  idly  down,  deprived  of  mine  ?  175 

Thou  bid'st  me  give  the  maiden  back.     'T  is  well,  . 
If  to  my  hands  the  noble  Greeks  shall  bring 
The  worth  of  what  I  lose,  and  in  a  shape 
That  pleases  me.     Else  will  I  come  myself, 
And  seize  and  bear  away  thy  prize,  or  that  >so 

Of  Ajax  or  Ulysses,  leaving  him 
From  whom  I  take  his  share  with  cause  for  rage. 
Another  time  we  will  confer  of  this. 
Now  come,  and  forth  into  the  great  salt  sea 
Launch  a  black  ship,  and  muster  on  the  deck       & 
Men  skilled  to  row,  and  put  a  hecatomb 
On  board,  and  let  the  fair-cheeked  maid  embark, 
Chryseis.     Send  a  prince  to  bear  command, — 
Ajax,  Idomeneus,  or  the  divine 
Ulysses  ;  —  or  thyself,  Pelides,  thou  *<* 

Most  terrible  of  men,  that  with  due  rites 
Thou  soothe  the  anger  of  the  archer-god." 


8  The  Iliad. 

Achilles  the  swift-footed,  with  stern  look, 
Thus  answered  :  "  Ha,  thou  mailed  in  impudence 
And  bent  on  lucre  !     Who  of  all  the  Greeks          us 
Can  willingly  obey  thee,  on  the  march, 
Or  bravely  battling  with  the  enemy  ? 
I  came  not  to  this  war  because  of  wrong 
Done  to  me  by  the  valiant  sons  of  Troy. 
No  feud  had  I  with  them  ;  they  never  took 
My  beeves  or  horses,  nor,  in  Phthia's  realm, 
Deep-soiled  and  populous,  spoiled  my  harvest  fields. 
For  many  a  shadowy  mount  between  us  lies, 
And  waters  of  the  wide-resounding  sea. 
Man  unabashed  !  we  follow  thee  that  thou  *>.= 

Mayst  glory  in  avenging  upon  Troy 
The  grudge  of  Menelaus  and  thy  own, 
Thou  shameless  one  !  and  yet  thou  hast  for  this 
Nor  thanks  nor  care.    Thou  threatenest  now  to  take 
From  me  the  prize  for  which  I  bore  long  toils       210 
In  battle  ;  and  the  Greeks  decreed  it  mine. 
I  never  take  an  equal  share  with  thee 
Of  booty  when  the  Grecian  host  has  sacked 
Some  populous  Trojan  town.     My  hands  perform 
The  harder  labors  of  the  field  in  all  ^s 

The  tumult  of  the  fight ;  but  when  the  spoil 
Is  shared,  the  largest  share  of  all  is  thine, 
While  I,  content  with  little,  seek  my  ships, 
Weary  with  combat.     I  shall  now  go  home 
To  Phthia  ;  better  were  it  to  return  ™ 

With  my  beaked  ships ;  but  here,  where  I  am  held 


Book  L  9 

In  little  honor,  thou  wilt  fail,  I  think, 

To  gather,  in  large  measure,  spoil  and  wealth." 

Him  answered  Agamemnon,  king  of  men  :  — 
"  Desert,  then,  if  thou  wilt ;  I  ask  thee  not  «s 

To  stay  for  me  ;  there  will  be  others  left 
To  do  me  honor  yet,  and,  best  of  all, 
The  all-providing  Jove  is  with  me  .still. 
Thee  I  detest  the  most  of  all  the  men 
Ordained  by  him  to  govern  ;  thy  delight  ^ 

Is  in  contention,  war,  and  bloody  frays. 
If  thou  art  brave,  some  deity,  no  doubt, 
Hath  thus  endowed  thee.    Hence,  then,  to  thy  home, 
With  all  thy  ships  and  men  !  there  domineer 
Over  thy  Myrmidons ;  I  heed  thee  not,  *is 

Nor  care  I  for  thy  fury.     Thus,  in  turn, 
I  threaten  thee ;  since  Phoebus  takes  away 
Chryseis,  I  will  send  her  in  my  ship 
And  with  my  friends,  and,  coming  to  thy  tent, 
Will  bear  away  the  fair-cheeked  maid,  thy  prize,    240 
Briseis,  that  thou  learn  how  lar  I  stand 
Above  thee,  and  that  other  chiefs  may  fear 
To  measure  strength  with  me,  and  brave  my  power." 

The  rage  of  Peleus'  son,  as  thus  he  spake, 
Grew  fiercer  ;  in  that  shaggy  breast  his  heart        245 
Took  counsel,  whether  from  his  thigh  to  draw 
The  trenchant  sword,  and,  thrusting  back  the  rest, 
Smite  down  Atrides,  or  subdue  his  wrath 
And  master  his  own  spirit.     While  he  thus 
Debated  with  himself,  and  half  unsheathed  w 

i* 


IO  The  Iliad. 

The  ponderous  blade,  Pallas  Athene  came, 

Sent  from  on  high  by  Juno,  the  white-armed, 

Who  loved  both  warriors  and  made  both  her  care. 

She  came  behind  him,  seen  by  him  alone, 

And  plucked  his  yellow  hair.     The  hero  turned    255 

In  wonder,  and  at  once  he  knew  the  look 

Of  Pallas  and  the  awful-gleaming  eye, 

And  thus  accosted  her  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Why  com'st  thou  hither,  daughter  of  the  god 

Who  bears  the  aegis  ?     Art  thou  here  to  see  260 

The  insolence  of  Agamemnon,  son 

Of  Atreus?     Let  me  tell  thee  what  I  deem 

Will  be  the  event.     That  man  may  lose  his  life, 

And  quickly  too,  for  arrogance  like  this." 

Then  thus  the  goddess,  blue-eyed  Pallas,  spake  :  — - 
"  I  came  from  heaven  to  pacify  thy  wrath,  ** 

If  thou  wilt  heed  my  counsel.     I  am  sent 
By  Juno  the  white-armed,  to  whom  ye  both 
Are  dear,  who  ever  watches  o'er  you  both. 
Refrain  from  violence  ;  let  not  thy  hand  270 

Unsheathe  the  sword,  but  utter  with  thy  tongue 
Reproaches,  as  occasion  may  arise, 
For  I  declare  what  time  shall  bring  to  pass ; 
Threefold  amends  shall  yet  be  offered  thee, 
In  gifts  of  princely  cost,  for  this  day's  wrong.         2/5 
Now  calm  thy  angry  spirit,  and  obey." 

Achilles,  the  swift-footed,  answered  thus  :  — 
"  O  goddess,  be  the  word  thou  bring'st  obeyed, 
However  fierce  my  anger  ;  for  to  him 


Book  I.  i  r 

Who  hearkens  to  the  gods,  the  gods  give  ear."      ^» 

So  speaking,  on  the  silver  hilt  he  stayed 
His  strong  right  hand,  and  back  into  its  sheath 
Thrust  his  good  sword,  obeying.     She,  meantime, 
Returned  to  heaven,  where  aegis-bearing  Jove 
Dwells  with  the  other  gods.     And  now  again        =s5 
Pelides,  with  opprobrious  words,  bespake 
The  son  of  Atreus,  venting  thus  his  wrath  :  — 
"  Wine-bibber,  with  the  forehead  of  a  dog 
And  a  deer's  heart !     Thou  never  yet  hast  dared 
To  arm  thyself  for  battle  with  the  rest,  290 

Nor  join  the  other  chiefs  prepared  to  lie 
In  ambush,  —  such  thy  craven  fear  of  death. 
Better  it  suits  thee,  midst  the  mighty  host 
Of  Greeks,  to  rob  some  warrior  of  his  prize 
Who  dares  withstand  thee.    King  thou  art,  and  yet  *H 
Devourer  of  thy  people.     Thou  dost  rule 
A  spiritless  race,  else  this  day's  insolence, 
Atrides,  were  thy  last.     And  now  I  say, 
And  bind  my  saying  with  a  mighty  oath  : 
By  this  my  sceptre,  which  can  never  bear  3°° 

A  leaf  or  twig,  since  first  it  left  its  stem 
Among  the  mountains,  —  for  the  steel  has  pared 
Its  boughs  and  bark  away,  to  sprout  no  more,  — 
And  now  the  Achaian  judges  bear  it,  —  they 
Who  guard  the  laws  received  from  Jupiter,  —       3<* 
Such  is  my  oath,  —  the  time  shall  come  when  aU 
The  Greeks  shall  long  to  see  Achilles  back. 
While  multitudes  are  perishing  by  the  hand 


12  The  Iliad. 

Of  Hector,  the  man-queller ;  thou,  meanwhile, 
Though  thou  lament,  shalt  have  no  power  to  help,  w 
And  thou  shalt  rage  against  thyself  to  think 
That  thou  hast  scorned  the  bravest  of  the  Greeks." 

As  thus  he  spake,  Pelides  to  the  ground 
Flung  the  gold-studded  wand,  and  took  his  seat. 
Fiercely  Atrides  raged  :  but  now  uprose 
Nestor,  the  master  of  persuasivr  speech, 
The  clear-toned  Pylian  orato;',  whose  tongue 
Dropped  words  more  sweet  than  honey.    He  had  seen 
Two  generations  that  grew  up  and  lived 
With  him  on  sacred  Pylos  pass  away,  3-0 

And  now  he  ruled  the  third.     With  prudent  words 
He  thus  addressed  the  assembly  of  the  chiefs  :  — 

"  Ye  gods  !  what  new  misfortunes  threaten  Greece! 
How  Priam  would  exult  and  Priam's  sons, 
And  how  would  all  the  Trojan  race  rejoice, 
Were  they  to  know  how  furiously  ye  strive,  — 
Ye  who  in  council  and  in  fight  surpass 
The  other  Greeks.      Now  hearken  to  my  words,  — 
Ye  who  are  younger  than  myself,  —  for  I 
Have  lived  with  braver  men  than  you,  and  yet      i>- 
They  held  me  not  in  light  esteem.     Such  men 
I  never  saw,  nor  shall  I  see  again,  — 
Men  like  Pirithoiis  and  like  Druas,  lord 
Of  nations,  Caeneus  and  Exadius, 
And  the  great  Polypheme,  and  Theseus,  son         -• 
Of  /Egeus,  likest  to  the  immortal  gods. 
Strongest  of  all  the  earth-born  race  they  fought  — 


Book  I.  !3 

The  strongest  with  the  strongest  of  their  time  — 
With  Centaurs,  the  wild  dwellers  of  the  hills, 
And  fearfully  destroyed  them.     With  these  men  340 
Did  I  hold  converse,  coming  to  their  camp 
From  Pylos  in  a  distant  land.     They  sent 
To  bid  me  join  the  war,  and  by  their  side 
I  fought  my  best,  but  no  man  living  now 
On  the  wide  earth  would  dare  to  fight  with  them.  34» 
Great  as  they  were,  they  listened  to  my  words 
And  took  my  counsel.     Hearken  also  ye, 
And  let  my  words  persuade  you  for  the  best. 
Thou,  powerful  as  thou  art,  take  not  from  him 
The  maiden  ;  suffer  him  to  keep  the  prize  -&<> 

Decreed  him  by  the  sons  of  Greece  ;  and  thou, 
Pelides,  strive  no  longer  with  the  king, 
Since  never  Jove  on  sceptred  prince  bestowed 
Like  eminence  to  his.     Though  braver  thou, 
And  goddess-born,  yet  hath  he  greater  power        355 
And  wider  sway.     Atrides,  calm  thy  wrath  — 
T  is  I  who  ask  —  against  the  chief  who  stands 
The  bulwark  of  the  Greeks  in  this  fierce  war." 
To  him  the  sovereign  Agamemnon  said  :  — 
"  The  things  which  thou  hast  uttered,  aged  chief,  360 
Are  fitly  spoken  ;  but  this  man  would  stand 
Above  all  others  ;  he  aspires  to  be 
The  master,  over  all  to  domineer, 
And  to  direct  in  all  things  ;  yet,  I  think, 
There  may  be  one  who  will  not  suffer  this,  3*5 

For  if  by  favor  of  the  immortal  gods 


14  The  Iliad. 

He  was  made  brave,  have  they  for  such  a  cause 
Given  him  the  liberty  of  insolent  speech?" 

Hereat  the  great  Achilles,  breaking  in, 
Answered  :    "  Yea,  well  might  I  deserve  the  name  3/0 
Of  coward  and  of  wretch,  should  I  submit 
In  all  things  to  thy  bidding.     Such  commands, 
Lay  thou  on  others,  not  on  me ;  nor  think 
I  shall  obey  thee  longer.     This  I  say,  — 
And  bear  it  well  in  mind,  —  I  shall  not  lift  575 

My  hand  to  keep  the  maiden  whom  ye  gave 
And  now  take  from  me  ;  but  whatever  else 
May  be  on  board  that  swift  black  ship  of  mine, 
Beware  thou  carry  not  away  the  least 
Without  my  leave.     Come,  make  the  trial  now,     380 
That  these  may  see  thy  black  blood  bathe  my  spear." 

Then,  rising  from  that  strife  of  words,  the  twain 
Dissolved  the  assembly  at  the  Grecian  fleet. 
Pelides  to  his  tents  and  well-manned  ships 
Went  with  Patroclus  and  his  warrior  friends,         33; 
While  Agamemnon  bade  upon  the  sea 
Launch  a  swift  bark  with  twenty  chosen  men 
To  ply  the  oar,  and  put  a  hecatomb 
Upon  it  for  the  god.     He  thither  led 
The  fair-cheeked  maid  Chryseis  ;  the  command    3* 
Ht  gave  to  wise  Ulysses;  forth  they  went, 
Leader  and  crew,  upon  their  watery  path. 
Meanwhile,  he  bade  the  camp  be  purified  ; 
And  straight  the  warriors  purified  the  camp, 
And,  casting  the  pollutions  to  the  waves,  m 


Book  I.  15 

They  burned  to  Phcebus  chosen  hecatombs 
Of  bulls  and  goats  beside  the  barren  main, 
From  which  the  savor  rose  in  smoke  to  heaven. 

So  was  the  host  employed.     But  not  the  less 
Did  Agamemnon  persevere  to  urge  4o» 

His  quarrel  with  Pelides ;  and  he  thus 
Addressed  Talthybius  and  Eurybates, 
His  heralds  and  his  faithful  ministers  :  — 

"  Go  ye  to  where  Achilles  holds  his  tent, 
And  take  the  fair  Briseis  by  the  hand,  405 

And  bring  her  hither.  If  he  yield  her  not, 
I  shall  come  forth  to  claim  her  with  a  band 
Of  warriors,  and  it  shall  be  worse  for  him." 

He  spake,  and  sent  them  forth  with  added  words 
Of  menace.     With  unwilling  steps  they  went         4'° 
Beside  the  barren  deep,  until  they  reached 
The  tents  and  vessels  of  the  Myrmidons, 
And  found  Achilles  seated  by  his  tent 
And  his  black  ship  ;  their  coming  pleased  him  not. 
They,  moved  by  fear  and  reverence  of  the  king,    415 
Stopped,  and  bespake  him  not,  nor  signified 
Their  errand ;  he  perceived  their  thought  and  said  : — 

"  Hail,  heralds,  messengers  of  Jove  and  men ! 
Draw  near  ;  I  blame  you  not.     I  only  biame 
Atrides,  who  hath  sent  you  for  the  maid.  •?» 

Noble  Patroclus  !  bring  the  damsel  forth, 
And  let  them  lead  her  hence.     My  witnesses 
Are  ye,  before  the  blessed  deities, 
And  mortal  men,  and  this  remorseless  king, 


1 6  77/6'  Iliad. 

If  ever  he  shall  need  me  to  avert  4=5 

The  doom  of  utter  ruin  from  his  host. 

Most  sure  it  is,  he  madly  yields  himself 

To  fatal  counsels,  thoughtless  of  the  past 

And  of  the  future,  nor  forecasting  how 

The  Greeks  may  fight,  unvanquished,  by  their  fleet." 

He  spake.     Meantime  Patroclus  had  obeyed     431 
The  word  of  his  beloved  friend.     He  brought 
The  fair-cheeked  maid  Briseis  from  the  tent, 
And  she  was  led  away.     The  messengers 
Returned  to  where  their  barks  were  moored,  and  she  435 
Unwillingly  went  with  them.     Then  in  tears 
Achilles,  from  his  friends  withdrawing,  sat 
Beside  the  hoary  ocean-marge,  and  gazed 
On  the  black  deep  beyond,  and  stretched  his  hands, 
And  prayed  to  his  dear  mother,  earnestly  :  —        440 

"  Mother  !  since  thou  didst  bring  me  forth  to  dwell 
Brief  space  on  earth,  Olympian  Jupiter, 
Who  thunders  in  the  highest,  should  have  filled 
That  space  with  honors,  but  he  grants  them  not. 
Wide-ruling  Agamemnon  takes  and  holds  445 

The  prize  I  won,  and  thus  dishonors  me." 

Thus,  shedding  tears,  he  spake.  His  mother  heard, 
Sitting  within  the  ocean  deeps,  beside 
Her  aged  father.     Swiftly  from  the  waves 
Of  the  gray  deep  emerging  like  a  cloud,  w 

She  sat  before  him  as  he  wept,  and  smoothed 
His  brow  with  her  soft  hand,  and  kindly  said  :  — 

"  My  child,  why  weepest  thou  ?  What  grief  is  this  ? 


Book  I.  17 

Speak,  and  hide  nothing,  so  that  both  may  know." 

Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  sighed  heavily,  455 

And  said  :  "  Thou  know'st  already.     Why  relate 
These  things  to  thee,  who  art  apprised  of  all  ? 

"  To  Thebe,  to  Eetion's  sacred  town, 
We  marched,  and  plundered  it,  and  hither  brought 
The  booty,  which  was  fairly  shared  among  400 

The  sons  of  Greece,  and  Agamemnon  took 
The  fair-cheeked  maid  Chryseis  as  his  prize. 
But  Chryses,  priest  of  Phoebus,  to  the  fleet 
Of  the  Achaian  warriors,  brazen-mailed, 
Came,  to  redeem  his  daughter,  offering  *o 

Ransom  uncounted.     In  his  hand  he  bore 
The  fillets  of  Apollo,  archer-god, 
Upon  the  golden  sceptre,  and  he  sued 
To  all  the  Greeks,  but  chiefly  to  the  sons 
Of  Atreus,  the  two  leaders  of  the  host.  47° 

Then  ail  the  other  chiefs,  applauding,  bade 
Revere  the  priest  and  take  the  liberal  gifts 
He  offered  ;  but  the  counsel  did  not  please 
Atrides  Agamemnon  :  he  dismissed 
The   priest   with    scorn,   and    added    threatening 
words.  473 

The  aged  man  indignantly  withdrew  ; 
And  Phoebus  —  for  the  priest  was  dear  to  him  — 
Granted  his  prayer  and  sent  among  the  Greeks 
A  deadly  shaft.      The  people  of  the  camp 
VVere  pei~shing  in  heaps.     His  arrows  flew  it 

Among  the  Grecian  army,  far  and  wide. 

8 


1 8  The  Iliad. 

A  seer  expert  in  oracles  revealed 

The  will  of  Phcebus,  and  I  was  the  first 

To  counsel  that  the  god  should  be  appeased. 

But  Agamemnon  rose  in  sudden  wrath,  485 

Uttering  a  threat,  which  he  has  since  fulfilled. 

And  now  the  dark-eyed  Greeks  are  taking  back 

His  child  to  Chryses,  and  with  her  they  bear 

Gifts  to  the  monarch-god  ;  while  to  my  tent 

Heralds  have  come,  and  borne  away  the  maid      490 

Briseis,  given  me  by  the  sons  of  Greece. 

But  succor  thou  thy  son,  if  thou  hast  power  ; 

Ascend  to  heaven  and  bring  thy  prayer  to  Jove, 

If  e'er  by  word  or  act  thou  gav'st  him  aid. 

For  I  remember,  in  my  father's  halls  435 

I  often  heard  thee,  glorying,  tell  how  thou, 

Alone  of  all  the  gods,  didst  interpose 

To  save  the  cloud-compeller,  Saturn's  son, 

From  shameful  overthrow,  when  all  the  rest 

Who  dwell  upon  Olympus  had  conspired 

To  bind  him,  — Juno,  Neptune,  and  with  them 

Pallas  Athene.     Thou  didst  come  and  loose 

His  bonds,  and  call  up  to  the  Olympian  heights 

The  hundred-handed,  whom  the  immortal  gods 

Have  named  Briareus,  but  the  sons  of  men 

/Egeon,  mightier  than  his  sire  in  strength  ; 

And  he,  rejoicing  in  the  honor,  took 

His  seat  by  Jove,  and  all  the  immortals  shrank 

Aghast  before  him,  and  let  fall  the  chains. 

Remind  him  of  all  this,  and,  sitting  down,  •>* 


Book  I.  19 

Embrace  his  knees,  and  pray  him  to  befriend 
The  Trojans,  that  the  Greeks,  hemmed  in  and  slain 
Beside  their  ships  and  by  the  shore,  may  learn 
To  glory  in  their  king,  and  even  he, 
Wide-ruling  Agamemnon,  may  perceive  5^ 

How  grievous  was  his  folly  when  he  dared 
To  treat  with  scorn  the  bravest  of  the  Greeks." 

And  Thetis  answered,  weeping  as  she  spake  :  — 
"  Alas,  my  son,  why  did  I  rear  thee,  born 
To  sorrow  as  thou  wert  ?     O  would  that  thou        5=0 
Unwronged,  and  with  no  cause  for  tears,  couldst  dwell 
Beside  thy  ships,  since  thou  must  die  so  soon. 
I  brought  thee  forth  in  an  unhappy  hour, 
Short-lived  and  wronged  beyond  all  other  men. 
Yet  will  I  climb  the  Olympian  height  among         5*5 
Its  snows  and  make  my  suit  to  Jupiter 
The  Thunderer,  if  haply  he  may  yield 
To  my  entreaties.     Thou,  meanwhile,  abide 
By  thy  swift  ships,  incensed  against  the  Greeks, 
And  take  no  part  in  all  their  battles  more.  530 

But  yesterday  did  Jove  depart  to  hold 
A  banquet  far  in  Ocean's  realm,  among 
The  blameless  Ethiopians,  and  with  him 
Went  all  the  train  of  gods.    Twelve  days  must  pass 
Ere  he  return  to  heaven,  and  I  will  then  m 

Enter  his  brazen  palace,  clasp  his  knees, 
And  hope  to  move  his  purpose  by  my  prayers." 

So  saying,  she  departed,  leaving  him 
In  anger  for  the  shapely  damsel's  sake, 


20  The  Iliad. 

Whom  forcibly  they  took  away.     Meantime          540 

Ulysses,  with  the  sacred  hecatomb, 

Arrived  at  Chrysa.     Entering  the  deep  port, 

They  folded  up  the  sails  and  laid  them  clown 

In  the  black  ship,  and  lowering  the  mast, 

With  all  its  shrouds,  they  brought  it  to  its  place.  545 

Then  to  the  shore  they  urged  the  bark  with  oars, 

And  cast  the  anchors  and  secured  the  prow 

With  fastenings.    Next,  they  disembarked  and  stood 

Upon  the  beach  and  placed  the  hecatomb 

In  sight  of  Phoebus,  the  great  archer.     Last, 

Chryseis  left  the  deck,  and,  leading  her 

Up  to  the  altar,  wise  Ulysses  gave 

The  maid  to  her  dear  father,  speaking  thus  :  — 

"  O  Chryses  !  Agamemnon,  king  of  men, 
Sends  me  in  haste  to  bring  this  maid  to  thee         555 
And  offer  up  this  hallowed  hecatomb 
To  Phoebus,  for  the  Greeks  :  that  so  the  god, 
Whose  wrath  afflicts  us  sore,  may  be  appeased. 

So  speaking,  to  her  father's  hands  he  gave 
The  maiden  •  joyfully  the  priest  received 
The  child  he  loved.     Then  did  the  Greeks  array 
The  noble  hecatomb  in  order  round 
The  sculptured  altar,  and  with  washen  hands 
They  took  the  salted  meal,  while  Chryses  stood 
And  spread  abroad  his  hands  and  prayed  aloud  : —  545 

"  Hear  me,  thou  bearer  of  the  glittering  bo\v 
Who  guardest  Chrysa  and  the  pleasant  isle 
Of  ("ilia  and  art  lord  in  Tenedos  ! 


Book  I.  21 

Already  hast  thou  listened  to  my  prayer 

And  honored  me,  and  terribly  hast  scourged         57= 

The  Achaian  people.     Hear  me  yet  again, 

And  cause  the  plague  that  wastes  the  Greeks  to 

cease." 

So  spake  he,  supplicating,  and  to  him 
Phoebus  Apollo  hearkened.     When  the  prayers 
Were  ended,  and  the  salted  meal  was  flung,          s?s 
Backward  they  turned  the  necks  of  the  fat  beeves, 
And  cut  their  throats,  and  flayed  the  carcasses, 
And  hewed  away  the  thighs,  and  covered  them 
With  caul  in  double  folds ;  and  over  this 
They  laid  raw  fragments  of  the  other  parts.  sso 

O'er  all  the  aged  priest  poured  dark  red  wine, 
And  burned  them  on  dry  wood.    A  band  of  youths 
With  five-pronged  spits,  beside  him,   thrust  these 

through 

The  entrails,  which  they  laid  among  the  flames. 
And  when  the  thighs  were  all  consumed,  and  next  585 
The  entrails  tasted,  all  the  rest  was  carved 
Into  small  portions  and  transfixed  with  spits 
And  roasted  with  nice  care  and  then  withdrawn 
From  the  hot  coals.    This  task  performed,  they  made 
The  banquet  ready.     All  became  its  guests  590 

And  all  were  welcome  to  the  equal  feast. 
And  when  their  thirst  and  hunger  were  allayed, 
Boys  crowned  the ampleurns with  wreaths,and  served 
The  wine  to  all,  and  poured  libations  forth. 
Meantime  the  Argive  youths,  that  whole  day  long,  »s 


22  The  Iliad. 

Sang  to  appease  the  god  ;  they  chanted  forth 

High  anthems  to  the  archer  of  the  skies. 

He  listened  to  the  strain,  and  his  stern  mood 

Was  softened.     When,  at  length,  the  sun  went  down 

And  darkness  fell,  they  gave  themselves  to  sleep  &» 

Beside  the  fastenings  of  their  ships,  and  when 

Appeared  the  rosy-fingered  Dawn,  the  child 

Of  Morning,  they  returned  to  the  great  host 

Of  the  Achaians.     Phoebus  deigned  to  send 

A  favoring  breeze  ;  at  once  they  reared  the  mast  605 

And  opened  the  white  sails ;  the  canvas  swelled 

Before  the  wind,  and  hoarsely  round  the  keel 

The  dark  waves  murmured  as  the  ship  flew  on. 

So  ran  she,  cutting  through  the  sea  her  way. 

But  when  they  reached  the  great  Achaian  host,    610 

They  drew  their  vessel  high  upon  the  shore 

Among  the  sands,  and  underneath  its  sides 

They  laid  long  beams  to  prop  the  keel,  and  straight 

Dispersed  themselves  among  the  tents  and  ships. 

The  goddess-born  Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  ^ 

Beside  his  ships  still  brooded  o'er  his  wrath, 
Nor  came  to  council  with  the  illustrious  chiefs, 
Nor  to  the  war,  but  suffered  idleness 
To  eat  his  heart  away ;  for  well  he  loved 
Clamor  and  combat.     But  when  now.  at  length,    &^ 
The  twelfth  day  came,  the  ever-living  gods 
Returned  together  to  the  Olympian  mount 
With  Jove,  their  leader.     Thetis  kept  in  mind 
Her  son's  desire,  and,  with  the  early  mom, 


Book  I.  23 

Emerging  from  the  depths  of  ocean,  climbed 

To  the  great  heaven  and  the  high  mount,  and  found 

All-seeing  Jove,  who,  from  the  rest  apart, 

Was  seated  on  the  loftiest  pinnacle 

Of  many-peaked  Olympus.     She  sat  down 

Before  the  son  of  Saturn,  clasped  his  knees  630 

With  her  left  arm,  and  lifted  up  her  right 

In  supplication  to  the  Sovereign  One  :  — 

"  O  Jupiter,  my  father,  if  among 
The  immortals  I  have  ever  given  thee  aid 
By  word  or  act,  deny  not  my  request.  635 

Honor  my  son,  whose  life  is  doomed  to  end 
So  soon  ;  for  Agamemnon,  king  of  men, 
Hath  done  him  shameful  wrong  :  he  takes  from  him 
And  keeps  the  prize  he  won  in  war.     But  thou, 
Olympian  Jupiter,  supremely  wise,  640 

Honor  him  thou,  and  give  the  Trojan  host 
The  victory,  until  the  humbled  Greeks 
Heap  large  increase  of  honors  on  my  son." 

She  spake,  but  cloud-compelling  Jupiter 
Answered  her  not ;  in  silence  long  he  sat.  ^s 

But  Thetis,  who  had  clasped  his  knees  at  first, 
Clung  to  them  still,  and  prayed  him  yet  again  :  — 

"  O  promise  me,  and  grant  my  suit ;  or  else 
Deny  it,  —  for  thou  need'st  not  fear,  —  and  I 
Shall  know  how  far  below  the  other  gods  65o 

Thou  holdest  me  in  honor."     As  she  spake, 
The  Cloud-compeller,  sighing  heavily, 
Answered  her  thus :  "  Hard  things  dost  thou  require, 


24  The  Iliad. 

And  thou  wilt  force  me  into  new  disputes 

With  Juno,  who  will  anger  me  again  655 

With  contumelious  words  ;  for  ever  thus, 

In  presence  of  the  immortals,  doth  she  seek 

Cause  of  contention,  charging  that  I  aid 

The  Trojans  in  their  battles.     Now  depart, 

And  let  her  not  perceive  thee.     Leave  the  rest     <*>» 

To  be  by  me  accomplished  ;  and  that  thou 

Mayst  be  assured,  behold,  I  give  the  nod  ; 

For  this,  with  me,  the  immortals  know,  portends 

The  highest  certainty  :  no  word  of  mine 

Which  once  my  nod  confirms  can  be  revoked,       w>3 

Or  prove  untrue,  or  fail  to  be  fulfilled." 

As  thus  he  spake,  the  son  of  Saturn  gave 
The  nod  with  his  dark  brows.     The  ambrosial  curls 
Upon  the  Sovereign  One's  immortal  head 
Were  shaken,  and  with  them  the  mighty  mount    67o 
Olympus  trembled.     Then  they  parted,  she 
Plunging  from  bright  Olympus  to  the  deep, 
And  Jove  returning  to  his  palace  home  ; 
Where  all  the  gods,  uprising  from  their  thrones, 
At  sight  of  the  Great  Father,  waited  not 
For  his  approach,  but  met  him  as  he  came. 

And  now  upon  his  throne  the  Godhead  took 
His  seat,  but  Juno  knew  —  for  she  had  seen  — 
That  Thetis  of  the  silver  feet,  and  child 
Of  the  gray  Ancient  of  the  Deep,  had  held  <&> 

Close  council  with  her  consort.     Therefore  she 
Bespake  the  son  of  Saturn  harshly,  thus  :  — 


Book  L  25 

"  O  crafty  one,  with  whom,  among  the  gods, 
Plottest  thou  now  ?     Thus  hath  it  ever  been 
Thy  pleasure  to  devise,  apart  from  me,  ^ 

Thy  plans  in  secret ;  never  willingly 
Dost  thou  reveal  to  me  thy  purposes." 

Then  thus  replied  the  Father  of  the  gods 
And  mortals  :  "  Juno,  do  not  think  to  know 
All  my  designs,  for  thou  wilt  find  the  task  69° 

Too  hard  for  thee,  although  thou  be  my  spouse. 
What  fitting  is  to  be  revealed,  no  one 
Of  all  the  immortals  or  of  men  shall  know 
Sooner  than  thou  ;  but  when  I  form  designs 
Apart  from  all  the  gods,  presume  thou  not  695 

To  question  me  or  pry  into  my  plans." 

Juno,  the  large-eyed  and  august,  rejoined  :  — 
"  What  words,  stern  son  of  Saturn,  hast  thou  said  ! 
It  never  was  my  wont  to  question  thee 
Or  pry  into  thy  plans,  and  thou  art  left  ?<*> 

To  form  them  as  thou  wilt ;  yet  now  I  fear 
The  silver-footed  Thetis  has  contrived  — 
That  daughter  of  the  Ancient  of  the  Deep  — 
To  o'erpersuade  thee,  for,  at  early  prime, 
She  sat  before  thee  and  embraced  thy  knees  ;       ?°5 
And  thou  hast  promised  her,  I  cannot  doubt, 
To  give  Achilles  honor  and  to  cause 
Myriads  of  Greeks  to  perish  by  their  fleet." 

Then  Jove,  the  cloud-compeller,  spake  again  :  — 
"  Harsh-tongued  !  thou  ever  dost  suspect  me  thus, 
Kor  can  I  act  unwatched  ;  and  yet  all  this  r» 

voi,.  i.  2 


26  The  Iliad. 

Profits  thee  nothing,  for  it  only  serves 

To  breed  dislike,  and  is  the  worse  for  thee. 

But  were  it  as  thou  deemest,  't  is  enough 

That  such  has  been  my  pleasure.     Sit  thou  down 

In  silence,  and  obey,  lest  all  the  gods  ?' 

Upon  Olympus,  when  I  come  and  lay 

These  potent  hands  on  thee,  protect  thee  not." 

He  spake,  and  Juno,  large-eyed  and  august, 
O'erawed,  and  curbing  her  high  spirit,  sat  7 

In  silence  ;  meanwhile  all  the  gods  of  heaven 
Within  the  halls  of  Jove  were  inly  grieved. 
But  Vulcan,  the  renowned  artificer, 
Sought  to  console  his  mother  in  her  grief,  — 
The  white-armed  Juno,  —  and  thus  interposed  :  — 

"  Great  will  the  evil  be  and  hard  to  bear,  ? 

If,  for  the  sake  of  mortals,  ye  are  moved 
To  such  contention  and  the  assembled  gods 
Disturbed  with  discord.     Even  the  pleasant  feast 
Will  lose  its  flavor  when  embittered  thus.  7.* 

And  let  me  warn  my  mother  while  I  speak, 
Wise  as  she  is,  that  she  defer  to  Jove, 
Lest  the  All-.Father  angrily  again 
Reply,  and  spoil  the  banquet  of  the  day. 
The  Thunderer  of  Olympus,  if  he  choose  73 

To  make  a  wreck  of  all  things,  wields  a  power 
Far  greater  than  we  all.     Accost  him  thou 
With  gentle  speeches,  and  the  Lord  of  heaven 
Will  then  regard  us  in  a  kindly  mood." 

As  thus  he  spake,  he  gave  into  the  hands          74 


Book  1.  27 

Of  his  beloved  mother  the  round  cup 

Of  double  form,  and  thus  he  spake  again  :  — 

"  Mother,  be  patient  and  submit,  although 
In  sadness,  lest  these  eyes  behold  thee  yet 
Beaten  with  stripes,  and  though  I  hold  thee  dear  745 
And  grieve  for  thee,  I  cannot  bring  thee  help  ; 
For  hard  it  is  to  strive  with  Jupiter. 
Already  once,  when  I  took  part  with  thee, 
He  seized  me  by  the  foot  and  flung  me  o'er 
The  battlements  of  heaven.     All  day  I  fell,          ??• 
And  with  the  setting  sun  I  struck  the  earth 
In  Lemnos.     Little  life  was  left  in  me, 
What  time  the  Sintians  took  me  from  the  ground." 

He  spake,  and  Juno,  the  white-shouldered,  smiled, 
And  smiling  took  the  cup  her  son  had  brought ;   755 
And  next  he  poured  to  all  the  other  gods 
Sweet  nectar  from  the  jar,  beginning  first 
With  those  at  the  right  hand.     As  they  beheld 
Lame  Vulcan  laboring  o'er  the  palace-floor, 
An  inextinguishable  laughter  broke  -&> 

From  all  the  blessed  gods.     So  feasted  they 
All  clay  till  sunset.     From  that  equal  feast 
None  stood  aloof,  nor  from  the  pleasant  sound 
Of  harp,  which  Phcebus  touched,  nor  from  the  voice 
Of  Muses  singing  sweetly  in  their  turn.  7*5 

But  when  the  sun's  all-glorious  light  was  down, 
Each  to  his  sleeping-place  betook  himself; 
For  Vulcan,  the  lame  god,  with  marvellous  art, 
Had  framed  for  each  the  chamber  of  his  rest. 


28  The  Iliad. 

And  Jupiter,  the  Olympian  Thunderer, 
Went  also  to  his  couch,  where  \  \vas  his  wont, 
When  slumber  overtook  him,  to  recline. 
And  there,  beside  him,  slept  the  white-armed  queen 
Juno,  the  mistress  of  the  golden  throne. 


BOOK    II. 

ALL  other  deities,  all  mortal  men, 
Tamers  of  war-steeds,  slept  the  whole  night 

through  • 

But  no  sweet  slumber  came  to  Jove  ;  his  thoughts 
Were  ever  busy  with  the  anxious  care 
To  crown  with  honor  Peleus'  son,  and  cause 
Myriads  to  perish  at  the  Grecian  fleet. 
At  last,  this  counsel  seemed  the  best,  —  to  send 
A  treacherous  dream  to  Agamemnon,  son 
Of  A Ireus.     Then  he  called  a  Dream,  and  thus 
Addressing  it  with  winged  words,  he  said  :  —  >o 

"  Go,  fatal  Vision,  to  the  Grecian  fleet, 
And,  entering  Agamemnon's  tent,  declare 
Faithfully  what  I  bid  thee.     Give  command 
That  now  he  arm,  with  all  the  array  of  war, 
The  long-haired  Greeks,  for  lo,  the  hour  is  come  15 
That  gives  into  his  hands  the  city  of  Troy 
With  all  its  spacious  streets.    The  powers  who  dwell 
In  the  celestial  mansions  are  no  more 


Book  II.  29 

At  variance  ;  Juno's  prayers  have  moved  them  all, 
And  o'er  the  Trojans  hangs  a  fearful  doom." 

So  spake  the  God  ;  the  Vision  heard,  and  went 
At  once  to  where  the  Grecian  barks  were  moored, 
And  entered  Agamemnon's  tent  and  found 
The  king  reposing,  with  the  balm  of  sleep 
Poured  all  around  him.     At  his  head  the  Dream  *$ 
Took  station  in  the  form  of  Neleus'  son, 
Nestor,  whom  Agamemnon  honored  most 
Of  all  the  aged  men.     In  such  a  shape 
The  heaven-sent  Dream  to  Agamemnon  spake  :  — • 

"  O  warrior-son  of  Atreus,  sleepest  thou  ?  x> 

Tamer  of  steeds  !     It  ill  becomes  a  chief, 
Who  has  the  charge  of  nations  and  sustains 
Such  mighty  cares,  to  sleep  the  livelong  trght. 
Give  earnest  heed  to  me,  for  I  am  COITUS 
A  messenger  from  Jove,  who,  though  fai  off,  35 

Takes  part  in  thy  concerns  and  pities  thee. 
He  bids  thee  arm,  with  all  the  array  of  war, 
The  long-haired  Greeks,  for  now  the  hour  is  come 
Which  gives  into  thy  hands  the  city  of  Troy 
With  all  its  spacious  streets.     The  powers  that  dwell 
In  the  celestial  mansions  are  no  more  4< 

At  variance  ;  Juno's  prayers  have  moved  them  all, 
And  o'er  the  Trojans  hangs  a  fearful  doom, 
Decreed  by  Jove.     Bear  what  I  say  in  mind, 
And  when  thy  sleep  departs  forget  it  not."  45 

He  spake,  and,  disappearing,  left  the  king 
Musing  on  things  that  never  were  to  be  ; 


30  The  Iliad. 

For  on  that  very  day  he  thought  to  take 
The  city  of  Priam..     Fool  1  who  little  knew 
What  Jupiter  designed  should  come  to  pass,          sc 
And  little  thought  by  his  own  act  to  bring 
Great  woe  and  grief  on  Greeks  and  Trojans  both 
In  hard-fought  battles.     P'rom  his  sleep  he  woke, 
The  heavenly  voice  still  sounding  in  his  ears, 
And  sat  upright,  and  put  his  tunic  on,  ss 

Soft,  fair,  and  new,  and  over  that  he  cast 
His  ample  cloak,  and  round  his  shapely  feet 
Laced  the  becoming  sandals.     Next,  he  hung 
Upon  his  shoulders  and  his  side  the  sword 
With  silver  studs,  and  took  into  his  hand 
The  ancestral  sceptre,  old,  but  undecayed, 
And  with  it  turned  his  footsteps  toward  the  fleet 
Of  the  Achaian  warriors  brazen-mailed. 

Now  Dawn,  the  goddess,  climbed  the  Olympian 

height, 

Foretelling  Day  to  Jupiter  and  all  *$ 

The  immortal  gods,  when  Agamemnon  bade 
The  shrill-voiced  heralds  call  the  long-haired  Greeks 
Together  ;  they  proclaimed  his  will,  and  straight 
The  warriors  came  in  throngs.     But  first  he  bade 
A  council  of  large-minded  elders  meet  ?o 

On  Pylian  Nestor's  royal  bark,  and  there 
Laid  his  well-pondered  thought  before  them  thus  :  — 

"  My  friends,  give  ear  :  a  Vision  from  above 
Came  to  me  sleeping  in  the  balmy  night ; 
Most  like  to  noble  Nestor  was  its  look,  — 


Book  IL  31 

Its  face,  its  stature,  and  its  garb.     It  stood 
Beside  me  at  my  head,  and  thus  it  spake  :  — 

"  '  O  warrior-son  of  Atreus,  sleepest  thou  ? 
Tamer  of  steeds!     It  ill  becomes  a  chief, 
Who  has  the  charge  of  nations  and  sustains  &> 

Such  mighty  cares,  to  sleep  the  livelong  night. 
Give  earnest  heed  to  me,  for  I  am  come 
A  messenger  from  Jove,  who,  though  far  off, 
Takes  part  in  thy  concerns  and  pities  thee. 
He  bids  thee  arm,  with  all  the  array  of  war,  s5 

The  long-haired  Greeks,  for  now  the  hour  is  come 
Which  gives  into  thy  hands  the  city  of  Troy 
With  all  its  spacious  streets.    The  powers  who  dwell 
In  the  celestial  mansions  are  no  more 
At  variance  ;  Juno's  prayers  have  moved  them  all,  90 
And  o'er  the  Trojans  hangs  a  fearful  doom, 
Decreed  by  Jove.     Bear  what  I  say  in  mind.' 

"  It  spake  and  passed  away,  and  with  it  fled 
My  slumbers.     Now  must  we  devise  a  way 
To  bring  into  the  field  the  sons  of  Greece.  95 

I  first  will  try,  as  best  I  may,  with  words, 
And  counsel  flight  from  Troy  with  all  our  ships. 
Ye  each,  with  different  counsels,  do  your  part." 

He  spake,  and  took  his  seat,  and  after  him 
Nestor,  the  king  of  sandy  Pylus,  rose,  »°o 

With  well-considered  words.     "  O  friends,"  he  said, 
"  Leaders  and  princes  of  the  Grecian  race, 
Had  any  other  of  the  Argive  host 
Related  such  a  dream,  we  should  have  said 


32  The  Iliad. 

The  tale  is  false,  and  spurned  the  counsel  given.  105 
But  he  has  seen  it  who  in  rank  and  power 
Transcends  us  all,  and  ours  it  is  to  see 
How  we  may  arm  for  war  the  sons  of  Greece." 

He  spake,  and  left  the  council,  and  the  rest, 
All  sceptred  kings,  arose,  prepared  to  obey  no 

The  shepherd  of  the  people.     All  the  Greeks 
Meanwhile  came  thronging  to  the  appointed  place. 
As,  swarming  forth  from  cells  within  the  rock, 
Coming  and  coming  still,  the  tribe  of  bees 
Fly  in  a  cluster  o'er  the  flowers  of  spring,  us 

And  some  are  darting  out  to  right  and  left, 
So  from  the  ships  and  tents  a  multitude 
Along  the  spacious  beach,  in  mighty  throngs, 
Moved  toward  the  assembly.  Rumor  went  with  them, 
The  messenger  of  Jove,  and  urged  them  on.          ™. 
And  now,  when  they  were  met,  the  place  was  stunned 
With  clamor ;  earth,  as  the  great  crowd  sat  down, 
Groaned  under  them  ;  a  din  of  mingled  cries 
Arose  ;  nine  shouting  heralds  strove  to  hush 
The  noisy  crowd  to  silence,  that  at  length  «s 

The  heaven-descended  monarchs  might  be  heard. 

And  when  the  crowd  was  seated  and  had  paused 
From  clamor,  Agamemnon  rose.     He  held 
The  sceptre  ;  Vulcan's  skill  had  fashioned  it, 
And  Vulcan  gave  it  to  Saturnian  Jove,  13* 

And  Jove  bestowed  it  on  his  messenger, 
The  Argus-queller  Hermes.  He  in  turn 
Gave  it  to  Pelops,  great  in  horsemanship ; 


Book  //.  33 

And  Pelops  passed  the  gift  to  Atreus  next, 

The  people's  shepherd.     Atreus,  when  he  died,    ns 

Bequeathed  it  to  Thyestes,  rich  in  flocks  ; 

And  last,  Thyestes  left  it  to  be  borne 

By  Agamemnon,  symbol  of  his  rule 

O'er  many  isles  and  all  the  Argive  realm. 

Leaning  on  this,  he  spake  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  Friends,  Grecian  heroes,  ministers  of  Mars,    -4- 
Saturnian  Jove  hath  in  an  evil  net 
Entangled  me  most  cruelly.     He  gave 
His  promise  and  his  nod,  that,  having  razed 
Troy  with  her  strong  defences,  I  should  see  MS 

My  home  again  ;  but  now  he  meditates 
To  wrong  me,  and  commands  me  to  return, 
With  lessened  glory  and  much  people  lost, 
To  Argos.     Thus  hath  it  seemed  good  to  Jove 
The  mighty,  who  hath  overthrown  the  towers        150 
Of  many  a  city,  and  will  yet  o'erthrow. 
The  ages  yet  to  come  will  hear  with  shame 
That  such  a  mighty  army  of  the  Greeks 
Have  waged  a  fruitless  war,  and  fought  in  vain 
A  foe  less  numerous  ;  yet  no  end  appears  ^=. 

To  this  long  strife.    Should  Greeks  and  Trojans  make 
A  treaty,  faithfully  to  number  each, 
And  should  the  Trojans  count  their  citizens, 
And  we  the  Greeks,  disposed  in  rows  of  tens, 
Should  call  the  Trojans  singly  to  pour  out  ^ 

The  wine  for  us,  full  many  a  company 
Of  ten  would  lack  its  cup-bearer  ;  so  far, 


34  The  Iliad. 

I  judge,  the  sons  of  Greece  outnumber  those 

Who  dwell  in  Troy.     But  they  have  yet  allies 

From  many  a  city,  men  who  wield  the  spear,         ^ 

Withstanding  my  attempt  to  overthrow 

That  populous  town.     Nine  years  of  mighty  Jove 

Have  passed  already,  and  the  planks  that  form 

Our  barks  are  mouldering,  and  the  cables  drop 

In  pieces,  and  our  wives  within  their  homes,          170 

With  their  young  children,  sit  expecting  us  ; 

Yet  is  the  enterprise  for  which  we  came 

Still  unperformed.     Now  let  us  all  obey 

The  mandate  I  reveal,  and  hasten  hence, 

With  all  our  fleet,  to  our  beloved  homes ;  175 

For  Troy  with  her  broad  streets  we  cannot  take." 

He  spake,  and  in  the  bosoms  of  the  crowd 
Stirred  every  heart ;  even  those  who  heard  him  not 
Were  moved  :  the  assembly  wavered  to  and  fro 
Like  the  long  billows  of  the  Icarian  Sea,  180 

Roused  by  the  East  wind  and  the  South,  that  rush 
Forth  from  the  cloudy  seat  of  Father  Jove  ; 
Or  like  the  harvest-field,  when  west  winds  stoop 
Suddenly  from  above,  and  toss  the  wheat. 
So  was  the  whole  assembly  swayed  ;  they  ran        185 
With  tumult  to  the  ships ;  beneath  their  feet 
Rose  clouds  of  dust,  and  each  exhorted  each 
To  seize  the  ships  and  drag  them  to  the  deep. 
They  cleared  the  channels  mid  the  clamorous  cries 
Of  multitudes,  who  hastened  to  return,  «9o 

And  drew  the  props  from  underneath  their  barks. 


Book  II.  35 

Then  had  the  Greeks  returned  before  their  time 
If  Juno  had  not  to  Minerva  said  :  — 

"  Unconquerable  child  of  Jove  !     What  change 
Is  this?     Shall  then  the  Argive  army  thus  195 

Flee  to  their  homes  across  the  deep  and  leave 
Glory  to  Priam,  and  to  Ilium's  sons 
The  Argive  Helen,  for  whose  sake  have  died 

o  * 

So  many  Greeks  upon  the  Trojan  strand, 
Far  from  the  land  they  loved  ?   But  hasten  thou  ™ 
To  the  host  of  Argive  warriors  mailed  in  brass, 
And  with  persuasive  words  restrain  their  men. 
Nor  let  them  launch  their  barks  upon  the  sea." 

She  spake  ;  nor  did  the  blue-eyed  Pallas  fail 
To  heed  the  mandate,  but  with  quick  descent      2°s 
She  left  the  Olympian  height  and  suddenly 
Stood  by  the  swift  ships  of  the  Grecian  host. 
She  found  Ulysses  there,  the  man  endowed 
With  wisdom  like  to  Jove's  ;  he  had  not  touched 
His  well-appointed  bark,  for  grief  had  seized        ?™ 
The  hero's  heart.     The  blue-eyed  goddess  took 
Her  place  beside  him,  and  addressed  him  thus  :  — 

"  Son  of  Laertes,  nobly  born  and  sage 
Ulysses,  will  ye,  entering  your  good  ships, 
Return  in  flight  to  your  own  land  and  leave  215 

Glory  to  Priam,  and  to  Ilium's  sons 
The  Argive  Helen,  for  whose  sake  have  died 
So  many  Greeks  upon  the  Trojan  strand, 
Far  from  the  land  they  loved  ?     Go  thou  at  once 
And  seek  the  Argive  warriors  and  restrain  a™ 


30  Tlic  1  Aa  it. 

With  thy  persuasive  words  the  impatient  men, 
Nor  let  them  launch  their  well-appointed  ships." 

She  spake  ;  Ulysses  knew  the  heavenly  voice, 
And  hastened  back,  and  as  he  ran  cast  by 
His  cloak.     Eurybates  of  Ithaca,  ?•• 

The  herald,  caught  it  as  he  followed  him. 
And  now  before  Atrides,  king  of  men, 
The  warrior  stood,  and  from  his  hand  received 
The  ancestral  sceptre,  old,  but  undecayed  ; 
And  bearing  this,  he  went  among  the  ships  =3. 

Which  brought  the  Achaian  army,  mailed  in  brass  ; 
And  whomsoe'er  he  met  upon  his  way, 
Monarch  or  eminent  among  the  host, 
He  stopped  him,  and  addressed  him  blandly,  thus  .  — 

"  Good  friend,  this  cage"  haste  as  if  from  fear  =.)5 
Befits  thee  not.     Sit  clown,  and  cause  the  rest 
To  sit.     What  Agamemnon's  will  may  be 
Thou  canst  not  yet  be  certain  ;  he  intends 
To  try  the  Greeks,  and  soon  will  punish  those 
Who  act  amiss.     We  cannot  all  have  heard  -MO 

What  he  has  said  ;  beware,  then,  lest  his  wrath 
Fall  heavily  upon  the  sons  of  Greece. 
The  monarch,  foster-child  of  Jupiter, 
Is  terrible  enraged.     Authority 
Is  given  by  Jove,  all-wise,  who  loves  the  king."     245 

But  when  he  found  one  of  the  lower  sort 
Shouting  and  brawling,  with  the  royal  wand 
He  smote  him,  and  reproved  him  sharply,  thus  :  — 

"Friend,  take  thy  seat  in  quiet,  and  attend 


Book  II.  37 

To  what  thy  betters  say ;  thou  art  *iot  strong         -^ 
Nor  valiant,  and  thou  art  of  ro^an  repute 
In  combat  and  in  council-     We,  the  Greeks, 
Cannot  be  all  supreme  in  power.     The  rule 
Of  the  many  is  not  well.     One  must  be  chief 
In  war,  and  one  the  king,  to  whom  the  son  255 

Of  Saturn  gives  the  sceptre,  making  him 
The  lawgiver,  that  he  may  rule  the  rest." 

Thus  did  he  act  the  chief,  and  make  the  host 
Obey  his  word ;  they  to  the  council  ground 
Came  rushing  back  from  all  the  ships  and  tents    ^ 
With  tumult,  as,  on  the  long-stretching  shore 
Of  ocean  many-voiced,  his  billows  fling 
Themselves  in  fury,  and  the  deep  resounds. 

All  others  took  their  seats  and  kept  their  place  ; 
Thersites  only,  clamorous  of  tongue, 
Kept  brawling.     He,  with  many  insolent  words, 
Was  wont  to  seek  unseemly  strife  with  kings, 
Uttering  whate'er  it  seemed  to  him  might  move 
The  Greeks  to  laughter.     Of  the  multitude 
Who  came  to  Ilium,  none  so  base  as  he,  —  •*?•- 

Squint-eyed,  with  one  lame  foot,  and  on  his  back 
A  lump,  and  shoulders  curving  towards  the  chest ; 
His  head  was  sharp,  and  over  it  the  hairs 
Were  thinly  scattered.     Hateful  to  the  chiefs 
Achilles  and  Ulysses,  he  would  oft  273 

Revile  them.     He  to  Agamemnon  now 
Called  with  shrill  voice  and  taunting  words.     The 
Greeks 


38  The  Iliad. 

Heard  him  impatiently,  with  strong  disgust 
And  vehement  anger,  yet  he  shouted  still 
To  Agamemnon,  and  kept  railing  on  :  — 

"  Of  what  dost  thou  complain  ;  what  wouldst  thou 

more, 

Atrides?     In  thy  tents  are  heaps  of  gold; 
Thy  tents  are  full  of  chosen  damsels,  given 
To  thee  before  all  others,  by  the  Greeks, 
Whene'er  we  take  a  city.     Dost  thou  yet  &<? 

Hanker  for  gold,  brought  by  some  Trojan  knight, 
A  ransom  for  his  son,  whom  I  shall  lead  — 
I,  or  some  other  Greek  —  a  captive  bound  ? 
Or  dost  thou  wish,  for  thy  more  idle  hours, 
Some  maiden,  whom  thou  mayst  detain  apart  ?      =9° 
111  it  beseems  a  prince  like  thee  to  lead 
The  sons  of  Greece,  for  such  a  cause  as  this, 
Into  new  perils.     O  ye  coward  race  ! 
Ye  abject  Greeklings,  Greeks  no  longer,  haste 
Homeward  with  all  the  fleet,  and  let  us  leave        »>s 
This  man  at  Troy  to  win  his  trophies  here, 
That  he  may  learn  whether  the  aid  we  give 
Avails  him  aught  or  not,  since  he  insults 
Achilles,  a  far  braver  man  than  he, 
And  takes  from  him  by  force  and  holds  his  prize. 
And  yet,  Achilles  is  not  moved  by  this  3« 

To  anger  :  he  is  spiritless,  or  else, 
Atrides,  this  injustice  were  thy  last." 

Taunting  the  shepherd  of  the  people  thus, 
Thersites  shouted  to  the  king  of  men.  305 


Book  II.  39 

But  great  Ulysses,  coming  quickly  up, 

Rebuked  him  with  a  frown  :  "  Thou  garrulous  wretch ! 

Glib  as  thou  art  of  tongue,  Thersites,  cease, 

Nor  singly  dare  to  seek  dispute  with  kings. 

There  came,  I  deem,  no  viler  wretch  than  thou     3'° 

To  Troy  with  Agamemnon.     Prate  no  more 

Of  kings,  reviling  them,  and  keeping  watch 

For  pretexts  to  return.     We  know  not  yet 

Whether  to  go  or  to  remain  were  best. 

Thou  railest  at  the  shepherd  of  the  host,  3^ 

Atrides  Agamemnon,  for  thou  seest 

The  Grecian  heroes  load  him  with  rewards, 

While  thou  insultest  him  with  scurrilous  words. 

I  tell  thee  now,  —  and  I  shall  keep  my  word,  — 

If  e'er  again  I  find  thee  railing  on,  3*> 

As  now  thou  dost,  then  let  Ulysses  wear 

His  head  no  longer,  let  me  not  be  called 

The  father  of  Telemachus,  if  I 

Shall  fail  to  seize  thee,  and  to  strip  thee  bare 

Of  cloak  and  tunic,  and  whatever  else  325 

Covers  thy  carcass,  and  to  send  thee  forth, 

Howling,  to  our  swift  barks  upon  the  shore, 

Scourged  from  the  council  with  a  storm  of  blows." 

He  spake,  and  with  his  sceptre  smote  the  back 
And  shoulders  of  the  scoffer,  who  crouched  lo\v    330 
And  shed  a  shower  of  tears.     A  bloody  whelk 
Rose  where  the  golden  sceptre  fell.     He  took 
His  seat,  dismayed,  and  still  in  pain  wiped  off 
The  tears  from  his  smutched  face.     The  multitude 


4O  The  Iliad. 

Around  him,  though  in  anxious  mood,  were  moved 
To  smiles,  and  one  addressed  his  neighbor  thus  :  — 

"  Strange  that  Ulysses  does  a  thousand  things  sv 
So  well,  —  so  wise  in  council,  and  in  war 
So  brave ;  and  for  the  Grecian  army  now 
He  does  the  best  of  all,  in  silencing  w 

The  chatter  of  this  saucy  slanderer, 
Whose  acrid  temper  will  not  soon  again 
Move  him  to  rail  with  insolent  speech  at  kings." 

So  talked  the  multitude.     Ulysses  then, 
Holding  the  sceptre,  rose,  and  by  his  side  345 

The  blue-eyed  Pallas,  in  a  herald's  form, 
Commanded  silence,  that  the  Argive  host  — • 
The  mightiest  and  the  meanest  —  might  attend 
To  what  should  now  be  said,  and  calmly  weigh 
The  counsel  given  them.     With  a  prudent  art       ^ 
Ulysses  framed  his  speech,  and  thus  he  spake  :  — 

"  The  Greeks,  O  Atreus'  son,  would  bring  on  thee 
Dishonor  in  the  eyes  and  speech  of  men, 
Breaking  the  promise  made  when  first  they  came 
From  Argos,  famed  for  steeds,  that,  having  spoiled 
This  well-defended  Troy,  them  shouldst  return      355 
A  conqueror.     And  now,  like  tender  boys 
Or  widowed  women,  all  give  way  to  grief 
And  languish  to  return.     'T  were  hard  to  bear 
If,  after  all  our  sufferings  and  our  toils, 
We  go  back  now.     And  yet,  whoe'er  remains 

O  tf 

A  single  month  away  from  wife  and  home 
Chafes  if  the  winter  storms  and  angry  sea 


Book  IT.  41 

Detain  him  still  on  board  his  well-oared  bark  ; 

And  we  have  seen  the  ninth  full  year  roll  round  365 

Since  we  came  hither.     Therefore  blame  I  not 

The  Greeks  if  they  in  their  beaked  ships  repine 

At  this  delay.     But  then  it  were  disgrace 

To  linger  here  so  long  and  journey  home 

With  empty  hands.     Bear  with  us  yet,  and  wait    w. 

Till  it  be  certain  whether  Calchas  speaks 

Truly  or  not.     For  we  remember  well, 

And  all  of  you  whom  cruel  death  has  spared 

Are  witnesses  with  me,  that  when  the  ships 

Of  Greece  —  it  seems  as  if  but  yesterday  —          375 

Mustered  in  Aulis  on  their  way  to  bring 

Woe  upon  Priam  and  the  town  of  Troy, 

And  we,  beside  a  fountain,  offered  up 

On  sacred  altars  chosen  hecatombs, 

Under  a  shapely  plane-tree,  from  whose  root         380 

Flowed  the  clear  water,  there  appeared  to  us 

A  wondrous  sign.     A  frightful  serpent,  marked 

With  crimson  spots,  which  Jupiter  sent  forth 

To  daylight  from  beneath  the  altar-stone, 

Came  swiftly  gliding  toward  the  tree,  whereon       385 

A  sparrow  had  her  young  —  eight  unfledged  birds  — 

Upon  the  topmost  bough  and  screened  by  leaves ; 

The  mother  was  the  ninth.     The  serpent  seized 

The  helpless  brood  and  midst  their  piteous  cries 

Devoured  them,  while  the  mother  fluttered  round, 

Lamenting,  till  he  caught  her  by  the  wing ;  y» 

And  when  he  had  destroyed  the  parent  bird 


42  The  Iliad. 

And  all  her  brood,  the  god  who  sent  him  forth 
Made  him  a  greater  marvel  still.     The  son 
Of  crafty  Saturn  changed  the  snake  to  stone  ;       395 
And  we  who  stood  around  were  sore  amazed. 
Such  was  the  awful  portent  which  the  gods 
Showed  at  that  sacrifice.     But  Calchas  thus 
Instantly  spake,  interpreting  the  sign  :  — 

"  '  O  long-haired  Greeks,'  he  said,  '  why  stand  ye 
thus  400 

In  silence?     All-foreseeing  Jupiter 
Hath  sent  this  mighty  omen  ;  late  it  comes 
And  late  will  be  fulfilled,  yet  gloriously, 
And  with  a  fame  that  never  shall  decay. 
For  as  the  snake  devoured  the  sparrow's  brood,    405 
Eight  nestlings,  and  the  mother-bird  the  ninth,  — 
So  many  years  the  war  shall  last ;  the  tenth 
Shall  give  into  our  hands  the  stately  Troy.' 

"  So  spake  the  seer  ;  thus  far  his  words  are  true. 
Bide  ye  then  here,  ye  well-greaved  sons  of  Greece, 
Until  the  city  of  Priam  shall  be  ours."  4" 

He  spake>>  and  loud  applause  thereon  ensued 
From  all  the  Greeks,  and  fearfully  the  ships 
Rang  with  the  clamorous  voices  uttering 
The  praises  of  Ulysses  and  his  words.  *<s 

Then  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight,  arose 
And  thus  addressed  them  :    "Strangely  ye  behave, 
Like  boys  unwonted  to  the  tasks  of  war. 
Where  now  are  all  your  promises  and  oaths  ? 
Shall  all  our  councillings  and  all  our  cares,  4« 


Book  //.  43 

Leagues  made  with  wine,  religiously  outpoured, 

And  plightings  of  the  strong  right  hand,  be  cast 

Into  the  flames  ?     Idly  we  keep  alive 

A  strife  of  words,  which  serves  no  end  though  long 

We  loiter  here  !     But  thou,  Atricles,  firm  425 

Of  purpose,  give  command  that  now  the  Greeks 

Move  to  the  war,  and  leave  to  meet  their  fate 

Those  —  one  or  more  —  who,  parting  from  our  host, 

Meditate — but  I  deem  in  vain  —  to  flee 

Homeward  to  Argos  ere  they  are  assured  430 

Whether  the  word  of  Jove  omnipotent 

Be  false  or  true.     For  when  the  Greeks  embarked 

In  their  swift  ships,  to  carry  death  and  fate 

To  Ilium's  sons,  almighty  Jupiter 

Flung  down  his  lightnings  on  the  right  and  gave  m 

Propitious  omens.     Therefore  let  no  Greek 

Go  home  till  he  possess  a  Trojan  wife 

And  ye  have  signally  avenged  the  wrongs 

And  griefs  of  Helen.     Yet,  if  one  be  here 

Who  longs  to  go,  let  him  but  lay  his  hand  440 

On  his  black  ship,  prepared  to  cross  the  deep, 

And  he  shall  die  before  the  rest.     But  thou, 

O  king,  be  wisely  counselled,  lend  an  ear 

To  others,  nor  neglect  what  I  propose. 

Marshal  the  Greeks  by  tribes  and  brotherhoods,  445 

That  tribe  may  stand  by  tribe,  and  brotherhoods 

Succor  each  other  ;  if  thou  thus  command 

And  they  obey,  thou  shalt  discern  which  chief 

Or  soldier  is  faint-hearted,  which  is  brave, 


44  The  Iliad. 

For  each  will  fight  his  best,  and  thou  shall  know  ^ 
Whether  through  favor  of  the  gods  to  Troy, 
Or  our  own  cowardice  and  shameful  lack 
Of  skill  in  war,  the  town  is  not  o'erthrown." 

In  turn  the  monarch  Agamemnon  spake  :  — 
"  O  aged  warrior,  thou  excellest  all  w 

The  Greeks  in  council.     Would  to  Jupiter, 
To  Pallas  and  Apollo,  that  with  me 
There  were  but  ten  such  comrades.     Priam's  town 
Would  quickly  fall  before  us  and  be  made 
A  desolation.     But  the  god  who  bears  460 

The  aegis,  Saturn's  son,  hath  cast  on  me 
Much  grief,  entangling  me  in  idle  strifes 
And  angry  broils.     Achilles  and  myself 
Have  quarrelled  for  a  maid  with  bitter  words, 
And  I  was  first  incensed.     But  if  again  & 

We  meet  and  act  as  friends,  the  overthrow 
That  threatens  Ilium  will  not  be  delayed,  — 
Not  for  an  hour.     Now  all  to  your  repast ! 
And  then  prepare  for  battle.     First  let  each 
See  that  his  spear  be  sharp,  and  put  his  shield      470 
In  order,  give  to  his  swift-footed  steeds 
Their  ample  forage,  and  o'erlook  his  car 
That  it  be  strong  for  war  ;  for  all  the  day 
Shall  we  maintain  the  stubborn  fight,  nor  cease 
Even  for  a  moment,  till  the  night  come  down        475 
To  part  the  wrathful  combatants.     The  band 
Of  each  broad  buckler  shall  be  moist  with  sweat 
On  every  breast,  and  weary  every  arm 


Book  II.  45 

That  wields  the  spear,  and  every  horse  that  drags 
The  polished  chariot  o'er  the  field  shall  smoke      43° 
With  sweat.     But  whosoever  shall  be  found 
By  the  beaked  ships  and  skulking  from  the  fray 
Shall  be  the  feast  of  birds  of  prey  and  dogs  !  " 

He  spake  ;  the  Argives  raised  a  mighty  shout, 
Loud  as  when  billows  lash  the  beetling  shore,       4»s 
Rolled  by  the  south-wind  toward  some  jutting  rock 
On  which  the  waves,  whatever  wind  may  blow, 
Beat  ceaselessly.     In  haste  the  people  rose 
And  went  among  the  ships,  and  kindled  fires 
Within  their  tents  and  took  their  meal.     And  one 
Made  offerings  to  one  god  ;  another  paid  491 

Vows  to  another  of  the  immortal  race  ; 
And  all  implored  deliverance  from  death 
And  clanger.     Agamemnon,  king  of  men, 
Offered  a  fatted  ox  of  five  years  old  495 

To  Jupiter  Almighty,  summoning 
The  elder  princes  of  the  Grecian  host,  — 
Nestor  the  first,  the  king  Idomeneus, 
And  then  the  warriors  Ajax  and  the  son 
Of  Tydeus,  with  Ulysses,  like  to  Jove  soc 

In  council,  sixth  and  last.     Unbidden  came 
The  valiant  Menelaus,  for  he  knew 
The  cares  that  weighed  upon  his  brother's  heart. 
Then,  as  they  stood  around  the  fatted  ox 
And  took  in  hand  the  salted  barley-meal,  505 

King  Agamemnon  in  the  circle  prayed  :  — 

"  O  Jove,  most  great  and  glorious !  who  dost  rule 


46  The  Iliad. 

The  tempest,  —  dweller  of  the  ethereal  space  ! 
Let  not  the  sun  go  down  and  night  come  on 
Ere  I  shall  lay  the  halls  of  Priam  waste  sic. 

With  fire,  and  give  their  portals  to  the  flames, 
And  hew  away  the  coat  of  mail  that  shields 
The  breast  of  Hector,  splitting  it  with  steel. 
And  may  his  fellow-warriors,  many  a  one, 
Fall  round  him  to  the  earth  and  bite  the  dust."     515 

He  spake  ;  the  son  of  Saturn  hearkened  not, 
But  took  the  sacrifice  and  made  more  hard 
The  toils  of  war.    And  now  when  they  had  prayed, 
And  strown  the  salted  meal,  they  drew  the  neck 
Of  the  victim  back  and  cut  the  throat  and  flayed  5=0 
The  carcass,  hewed  away  the  thighs  and  laid 
The  fat  upon  them  in  a  double  fold, 
On  which  they  placed  raw  strips  of  flesh,  and  these 
They  burned  with  leafless  billets.     Then  they  fixed 
The  entrails  on  the  spits  and  held  them  forth        5=5 
Above  the  flames,  and  when  the  thighs  were  burned 
And  entrails  tasted,  all  the  rest  was  carved 
Into  small  portions  and  transfixed  with  spits 
And  roasted  carefully  and  drawn  away. 
And  when  these  tasks  were  finished  and  the  board 
Was  spread,  they  feasted  ;  from  that  equal  feast  ST 
None  went  unsated.     When  they  had  appeased 
Their  thirst  and  hunger,  the  Gerenian  knight 
Nestor  stood  forth  and  spake  :  "  Most  glorious  son 
Of  Atreus,  Agamemnon,  king  of  men  !  535 

Waste  we  no  time  in  prattle,  nor  delay 


Book  II.  47 

The  work  appointed  by  the  gods,  but  send 

The  heralds  of  the  Achaians,  brazen-mailed, 

To  call  the  people  to  the  fleet,  while  we 

Pass  in  a  body  through  their  vast  array  54° 

And  wake  the  martial  spirit  in  their  breasts." 

He  spake,  and  Agamemnon,  king  of  men, 
Followed  the  counsel.     Instantly  he  bade 
The  loud-voiced  herald  summon  to  the  war 
The  long-haired  Argives.    At  the  call  they  came,  545 
Quickly  they  came  together,  and  the  kings, 
Nurslings  of  Jupiter,  who  stood  beside 
Atrides,  hastened  through  the  crowd  to  form 
The  army  into  ranks.     Among  them  walked 
The  blue-eyed  Pallas,  bearing  on  her  arm  ss° 

The  priceless  aegis,  ever  fair  and  new, 
And  undecaying  ;  from  its  edge  there  hung 
A  hundred  golden  fringes,  fairly  wrought, 
And  every  fringe  might  buy  a  hecatomb. 
With  this  and  fierce,  defiant  looks  she  passed    •  555 
Through  all  the  Achaian  host,  and  made  their  hearts 
Impatient  for  the  march  and  strong  to  endure 
The  combat  without  pause,  —  for  now  the  war 
Seemed  to  them  dearer  than  the  wished  return, 
In  their  good  galleys,  to  the  land  they  loved.         s<* 

As  when  a  forest  on  the  mountain-top 
Is  in  a  blaze  with  the  devouring  flame 
And  shines  afar,  so,  while  the  warriors  marched, 
The  brightness  of  their  burnished  weapons  flashed 
On  every  side  and  upward  to  the  sky.  565 


48  The  Iliad. 

And  as  when  water-fowl  of  many  tribes  — 
Geese,   cranes,   and    long-necked  swans  —  disport 

themselves 

In  Asia's  fields  beside  Cayster's  streams, 
And  to  and  fro  they  fly  with  screams,  and  light, 
Flock  after  flock,  and  all  the  fields  resound  ;          57° 
So  poured,  from  ships  and  tents,  the  swarming  tribes 
Into  Scamander's  plain,  where  fearful'y 
Earth  echoed  to  the  tramp  of  steeds  and  men  ; 
And  there  they  mustered  on  the  river's  side, 
Numberless  as  the  flowers  and  leaves  of  spring.    575 
And  as  when  flies  in  swarming  myriads  haunt 
The  herdsman's  stalls  in  spring-time,  when  new  milk 
Has  filled  the  pails,  —  in  such  vast  multitudes 
Mustered  the  long-haired  Greeks  upon  the  plain, 
Impatient  to  destroy  the  Trojan  race.  --^ 

Then,  as  the  goatherds,  when  their  mingled  flocks 
Are  in  the  pastures,  know  and  set  apart 
Eash  his  own  scattered  charge,  so  did  the  chiefs, 
Moving  among  them,  marshal  each  his  men. 
There  walked  King  Agamemnon,  like  to  Jove       535 
In  eye  and  forehead,  with  the  loins  of  Mars, 
And  ample  chest  like  him  who  rules  the  sea. 
And  as  a  bull  amid  the  horned  herd 
Stands  eminent  and  nobler  than  the  rest, 
So  Jove  to  Agamemnon  on  that  day  5<* 

Gave  to  surpass  the  chiefs  in  port  and  mien. 

O  Muses,  goddesses  who  dwell  on  high, 
Tell  me,  —  for  all  things  ye  behold  and  know, 


Book  II.  49 

While  we  know  nothing  and  may  only  hear 

The  random  tales  of  rumor,  —  tell  me  who  ^ 

Were  chiefs  and  princes  of  the  Greeks  ;  for  I 

Should  fail  to  number  and  to  name  them  all,  — 

Had  I  ten  tongues,  ten  throats,  a  voice  unapt 

To  weary,  uttered  from  a  heart  of  brass,  — 

Unless  the  Muses  aided  me.     I  now 

Will  sing  of  the  commanders  and  the  ships. 

Peneleus,  Prothoenor,  Lei'tus, 
And  Clonius,  and  Arcesilaus  led 
The  warriors  of  Bceotia,  all  who  dwelt 
In  Hyria  and  in  rocky  Aulis,  all  605 

From  Schcenus  and  from  Scolus  and  the  hill 
Of  Eteonus  and  Thespeia's  fields, 
And  Graia  and  the  Mycalesian  plain, 
All  who  from  Herma  and  Ilesius  came, 
And  Erythrae,  and  those  who  had  their  homes       &io 
In  Eleon,  Hyla,  and  Ocalea, 
And  Peteona,  and  the  stately  streets 
Of  Medeon,  Copae,  Thisbe  full  of  doves, 
And  those  whose  dwelling-place  was  Kutresis, 
And  Coronaea,  and  the  grassy  lawns  <-5 

Of  Haliartus,  all  the  men  who  held 
Platrea,  or  in  Glissa  tilled  the  soil, 
Or  dwelt  in  Hypothebai  nobly  built, 
Or  in  Onchestus  with  its  temple-walls 
Sacred  to  Neptune,  or  inhabited  ^a 

Arne  with  fruitful  vineyards,  Midea 
And  Nyssa  the  divine,  and  Anthedon 


50  77tc  Iliad. 

The  distant,  —  fifty  were  their  barks,  and  each 
Held  sixscore  youths  of  the  Boeotian  race. 

Next,  over  those  who  came  from  Aspledon         63J 
And  from  Orchomenus  in  Minyas 
Ascalaphus  ruled  with  his  brother  chief 
Talmenus,  —  two  sons  of  mighty  Mars. 
These,  in  the  halls  of  Actor,  Azis'  son, 
Astyoche  bore  to  the  god  of  war,  s3o 

Who  met  by  stealth  the  bashful  maid,  as  once 
She  sought  the  upper  palace-rooms.     Their  ships 
Were  thirty,  ranged  in  order  on  the  shore. 

Then  Schedius  and  Epistrophus,  two  chiefs 
Born  to  Iphitus,  son  of  Naubolus  635 

The  large  of  soul,  led  the  Phocean  host, 
Those  who  in  Cyparissus  had  their  homes, 
In  Panope  and  Crissa  the  divine 
And  Daulis,  or  about  Hyampolis 
Anemoreia,  and  upon  the  banks  640 

Of  broad  Cephissus,  and  with  them  the  race 
Who  held  Lilaea  by  Cephissus'  springs. 
With  these  came  forty  ships.     Their  leaders  went 
Among  them,  ranging  them  in  due  array 
And  close  to  the  Boeotians  on  the  left.  c45 

Ajax  the  swift  of  foot,  Oileus'  son, 
Was  leader  of  the  Locrians,  —  less  in  limb 
And  stature  than  the  other  Ajax,  —  nay, 
Much  smaller  than  that  son  of  Telamon, 
Wearing  a  linen  corselet ;  but  to  wield  65o 

The  spear  he  far  excelled  all  other  men 


Book  II.  51 

Of  Hellas  and  Achaia.     Those  who  dwelt 

In  Cynus,  Opus,  Bessa,  and  the  fields 

Of  Scarpha  and  Calliarus  and  green 

Augeia,  Tarpha,  and  the  meadows  where 

Boagrius  waters  Thronium,  followed  him 

With  forty  dark-hulled  Locrian  barks,  that  came 

From  coasts  beyond  Euboea's  sacred  isle. 

The  Eubceans  breathing  valor,  they  who  held 
Chalcis,  Eretria,  and  the  vineyard  slopes 
Of  Histiaea,  and  the  lofty  walls 
Of  Dium  and  Cerinthus  by  the  sea, 
And  Styra,  and  Earystus ;  these  obeyed 
Elphenor  of  the  line  of  Mars,  and  son 
Of  the  large-souled  Chalcodon  ruler  o'er 
The  Abantes.     Him  with  loosely-flowing  locks 
The  Abantes  followed,  swift  of  foot  and  fierce 
In  combat,  and  expert  to  break  the  mail 
Upon  the  enemies'  breasts  with  ashen  spears  • 
With  forty  dark-hulled  barks  they  followed  him.    67o 

Next  they  who  came  from  Athens  nobly  built", 
The  city  of  Erechtheus,  great  of  soul, 
Son  of  the  teeming  Earth,  whom  Pallas  reared, 
That  daughter  of  the  Highest,  and  within 
Her  sumptuous  temple  placed  him,  where  the  sons 
Of  Athens,  with  the  circling  year's  return,  676 

Paid  worship  at  her  altars,  bringing  bulls 
And  lambs  to  lay  upon  them  ;  these  obeyed 
Menestheus,  son  of  Peteus,  whom  no  chief 
On  earth  could  equal  in  the  art  to  place  «o 


52  The  Iliad. 

Squadrons  of  men  and  horse  in  due  array 
For  battle.     Nestor  only  sought  to  share 
This  praise,  but  Nestor  was  the  elder  chief. 
Fifty  dark  galleys  with  Menestheus  carne. 

Ajax  had  brought  twelve  ships  from  Salamis,    ^ 
And  these  he  stationed  near  the  Athenian  host. 

But  they  who  dwelt  in  Argos,  or  within 
The  strong-walled  Tiryns,  or  Hermione 
And  Asine  with  their  deep,  sheltering  bays, 
Trcezene  and  Eionae,  and  hills 
Of  Fpidaurus  planted  o'er  with  vines, 
And  they  who  tilled  ^Egina  and  the  coast 
Of  Mases,  —  Grecian  warriors,- — over  these 
Brave  Diomed  bore  sway,  with  Sthenelus, 
Beloved  son  of  far-famed  Campaneus,  <*> 

And,  third  in  rule,  Euryalus,  who  seemed 
Like  to  a  god,  Mecisteus'  royal  son 
Who  sprung  from  Talaus  ;  yet  the  chief  command 
Was  given  to  Diomed,  the  great  in  war. 
A  fleet  of  eighty  galleys  came  with  them. 

The  dwellers  of  Mycenas  nobly  built, 
Of  Corinth  famed  for  riches,  and  the  town 
Of  beautiful  Cleonae,  they  who  tilled 
Orneia,  Araethyrea's  pleasant  land, 
And  Sicyon,  where  of  yore  Adrastus  reigned,        70 
And  Hyperesia  and  the  airy  heights 
Of  Gonoessa,  and  Pellene's  fields, 
And  they  who  came  from  /Egium  and  the  shores 
Around  it,  and  broad  lands  of  Helice, — 


Book  II.  53 

These  had  a  hundred  barks,  and  over  them  71° 

Atrides  Agamemnon  bore  command  ; 
And  with  him  came  the  largest  train  of  troops 
And  bravest.     He*was  cased  in  gleaming  mail, 
And  his  heart  gloried  when  he  thought  how  high 
He  stood  among  the  heroes,  — mightier  far  ?•/ 

In  power,  and  leader  of  a  mightier  host. 

Then  they  who  dwelt  within  the  hollow  vale 
Of  queenly  Lacedasmon,  they  who  held 
Phare  and  Sparta,  Messa  full  of  doves, 
Bryseioe,  and  Atigeia's  rich  domain,  ?» 

Amyclae  and  the  town  of  Helos,  built 
Close  to  the  sea,  and  those  who  had  their  homes 
In  Laas  and  the  fields  of  CEtylus  ; 
All  these  obeyed  the  brother  of  the  king, 
The  valiant  Menelaus.     Sixty  ships  -•>'• 

They  brought,  but  these  he  ranged  apart  from  those 
Of  Agamemnon.     Through  the  ranks  he  went, 
And,  trusting  in  his  valor,  quickened  theirs 
For  battle  ;  for  his  heart  within  him  burned 
To  avenge  the  wrongs  of  Helen  and  her  tears.     ~,y 

Then  came  the  men  who  tilled  the  Pylean  coast 
And  sweet  Arene,  Thrya  at  the  fords 
Of  Alpheus,  and  the  stately  palace  homes 
Of  ^Epy,  or  in  Cyparissus  dwelt, 
Or  in  Amphigeneia,  Pteleum,  *» 

Helos  and  Dorium,  where  the  Muses  once 
Met,  journeying  from  CEcalian  Eurytus, 
The  Thracian  Thamyris,  and  took  from  him 


54  The  Iliad. 

His  power  of  voice.     For  he  had  made  his  boast 
To  overcome  in  song  the  daughters  nine  740 

Of  Jove  the  yEgis-bearer.     They  in  wrath 
Smote  him  with  blindness,  took*the  heavenly  gift 
Of  song  away,  and  made  his  hand  forget 
Its  cunning  with  the  harp.     All  those  were  led 
By  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight,  who  came  745 

To  war  on  Troy  with  fourscore  ships  and  ten. 

The  Arcadians,  dwelling  by  the  lofty  mount 
Cyllene,  near  the  tomb  of  Epytus, 
Warriors  who  combat  hand  to  hand,  and  they 
Who  tilled  the  fields  of  Pheneus  and  possessed    750 
Orchomenus  with  all  its  flocks,  or  dwelt 
In  Ripa  and  in  Stratia,  and  the  bleak 
Enispe,  beaten  with  perpetual  winds, 
And  in  Tegea,  and  the  lovely  land 
Of  Mantinea,  and  in  Stymphalus  755 

And  in  Parrhasia,  came  in  sixty  ships 
To  Troy,  with  Agapenor  for  their  chief, 
Son  of  Ancaeus.     Every  ship  was  thronged 
With  warriors  of  Arcadia,  for  the  king 
Of  men,  Atrides,  gave  them  well-oared  barks 
To  cross  the  dark  blue  deep,  since  not  to  them 
Pertained  the  cares  and  labors  of  the  sea. 

Then  from  Buprasium  and  the  sacred  coast 
Of  Elis,  from  Hyrmine  and  remote 
Myrsinus  and  the  Olenian  precipice,  7*5 

And  from  Alisium  came,  with  chieftains  four, 
The  warriors,  ten  swift  galleys  following 


Book  II.  55 

Each  chieftain,  crowded  with  Epean  troops. 

And  part  obeyed  Amphimacus,  the  son 

Of  Cteatus,  and  part  with  Thalpius  came,  770 

The  son  of  Eurytus  Actorides, 

And  part  with  brave  Diores,  of  the  line 

Of  Amarynceus.     Last,  Polyxenus, 

The  godlike  offspring  of  Agasthenes, 

Whose  father  was  Augeias,  led  the  rest.  775 

They  from  Dulichium  and  the  Echinades, 
Those  holy  isles  descried  from  Elis  o'er 
The  waters,  had  for  leader  Megas,  brave 
As  Mars,  —  the  son  of  Phyleus,  clearly  loved 
By  Jove.     He  left  his  father's  house  in  wrath        ?&> 
And  dwelt  within  Dulichium.     With  the  troops 
Of  Megas  came  a  fleet  of  forty  ships. 

Ulysses  led  the  Cephallenian  men, 
Who  dwelt  in  Ithaca,  or  whose  abode 
Was  leafy  Neritus,  and  those  who  came  785 

From  Crocyleia,  and  from  ./Egilips 
The  craggy,  and  Zacynthus,  and  the  isle 
Of  Samos,  and  Epirus,  and  from  all 
The  bordering  lands.     O'er  these  Ulysses  ruled, 
A  chief  like  Jove  in  council,  and  with  him  790 

There  came  twelve  galleys  with  their  scarlet  prows. 

Then  with  the  yEtolians  came  Andraemon's  son 
Thoas,  their  leader.     With  him  were  the  men 
Of  Pleuron  and  Pylene,  Olenus, 
And  Chalcis  on  the  sea-coast  and  the  rocks  795 

Of  Calydon  ;  for  now  no  more  the  sons 


56  The  Iliad. 

Of  large-souled  CEneus  were  alive  on  earth, 
Nor  lived  the  "chief  himself,  and  in  his  tomb 
Was  Meleager  of  the  golden  hair  ; 
And  thus  the  ^tolian  rule  to  Thoas  came.  &* 

A  fleet  of  fourscore  galleys  followed  him. 

Idomeneus,  expert  to  wield  the  spear, 
Commanded  those  of  Crete,  the  men  who  dwelt 
In  Cnosus  or  Gortyna,  strongly  walled 
Lyctus,  Miletus,  and  the  glimmering 
Lycastus,  Phaestus,  Rhytium's  populous  town, 
And  all  the  warrior  train  inhabiting 
The  hundred  towns  of  Crete.     Idomeneus 
The  mighty  spearman,  and  Meriones, 
Fierce  as  the  god  of  war,  commanded  these,         sic 
And  came  to  Troy  with  eighty  dark-ribbed  barks. 

Tlepolemus,  a  warrior  of  the  stock 
Of  Hercules,  was  leader  of  the  troops 
Of  Rhodes,  and  brought  nine  vessels  to  the  war, 
Manned  with  the  haughty  Rhodians.     These  were 
ranged  815 

In  threefold  order  :  those  of  Linclus,  those 
Who  dwell  in  white  Camirus,  lastly  those 
Of  lalassa.     These  Tlepolemus, 
The  valiant  spearman,  ruled.     Astyoche 
Bore  him  to  mighty  Hercules,  who  led 
The  maid  from  Ephyra,  upon  the  banks 
Of  Selleis,  to  be  his  wife,  what  time 
His  valor  had  o'erthrown  and  made  a  spoil 
Of  many  a  city  full  of  noble  youths. 


Book  II.  57 

Tlepolemus,  when  in  the  palace-halls   * 

He  grew  to  manhood,  slew  an  aged  man, 

An  uncle  of  his  father,  whom  he  loved, 

Lycimnius,  of  the  line  of  Mars,  and  straight 

He  rigged  a  fleet  of  ships  and  led  on  board 

A  numerous  host  and  fled  across  the  sea.  83a 

For  fearful  were  the  threats  of  other  sons 

And  grandsons  of  the  mighty  Hercules. 

In  Rhodes  they  landed  after  wanderings  long 

And  many  hardships.    There  they  dwelt  in  tribes, — 

Three  tribes,  -—  and  were  beloved  of  Jupiter,        833 

The  ruler  over  gods  and  men,  who  poured 

Abundant  riches  on  their  new  abode. 

Nireus  with  three  good  ships  from  Syma  came,  — 
Nireus,  Aglaia's  son  by  Charopus 
The  monarch,  —  Nireus  who  in  comeliness  «•»» 

Surpassed  all  Greeks  that  came  to  Ilium,  save 
The  faultless  son  of  Peleus.     Yet  was  he 
Unwarlike  and  few  people  followed  him. 

The  dwellers  of  Nisyrus,  Crapathus, 
And  Cos,  the  city  of  Eurypylus,  ^ 

Casus,  and  the  Calydnian  isles,  obeyed 
Phidippus  and  his  brother  Antiphus, 
Sons  of  the  monarch  Thessalus,  who  sprang 
From  Hercules.     With  thirty  ships  they  came. 

But  those  who  held  Pelasgian  Argos,  those        850 
Who  dwelt  in  Alos,  Trachys,  Alope, 
Phthia,  and  Hellas  full  of  lovely  dames,— 
Named  Myrmidons,  Achaians,  Hellenes,— 


58  The  Iliad. 

Achilles  led*  their  fifty  ships  ;  but  they 

Now  heeded  not  the  summons  to  the  war,  *ss 

For  there  was  none  to  form  their  ranks  for  fight. 

The  great  Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  remained 

Within  his  ships,  indignant  for  the  sake 

Of  the  fair-haired  Briseis,  whom  he  brought 

A  captive  from  Lyrnessus  after  toils 

And  dangers  many.     He  had  sacked  and  spoiled 

Lyrnessus,  and  o'erthrown  the  walls  of  Thebes 

And  smitten  Mynes  and  Epistrophus, 

The  warlike  sons  of  King  Evenus,  sprung 

From  old  Selapius.     For  this  cause  he  kept  865 

Within  his  ships,  full  soon  to  issue  forth. 

The  men  of  Phylace,  of  Pyrasus,  — 
Sacred  to  Ceres  and  o'erspread  with  flowers, 
And  of  Itona,  mother  of  white  flocks, 
Antrona  on  the  sea,  and  Pteleum  green  s7o 

With  herbage,  —  over  these  while  yet  he  lived 
The  brave  Protesilaus  ruled ;  but  now 
The  dark  earth  covered  him,  and  for  his  sake 
His  consort,  desolate  in  Phylace, 
Tore  her  fair  cheeks,  and  all  unfinished  stood       873 
His  palace,  for  a  Dardan  warrior  slew 
Her  husband  as  he  leaped  upon  the  land, 
The  foremost  of  the  Achaians.     Yet  his  troops 
Were  not  without  a  leader,  though  they  mourned 
Their  brave  old  chief.     Podarces,  loved  by  Mars,  — • 
Son  of  Iphiclus,  rich  in  flocks,  who  sprang  ss. 

From  Phylacus,  —  led  them  and  formed  their  ranks. 


Book  IL  59 

A  younger  brother  of  the  slain  was  he. 
The  slain  was  braver.     Though  the  warriors  grieved 
To  lose  their  glorious  chief,  they  did  not  lack        sag 
A  general.     Forty  dark  ships  followed  him. 

Then  they  who  dwelt  in  Pherse,  by  the  lake 
Boebeis,  and  in  Bcebe,  Glaphyras, 
And  nobly  built  lolchos,  came  to  Troy, 
Filling  eleven  galleys,  and  obeyed  890 

Eumelus,  whom  Alcestis  the  divine 
Bore  to  Admetus,  —  fairest,  she,  of  all 
The  house  of  Pelias  and  of  womankind. 

Those  from  Methone  and  Olizon's  rocks, 
And  Melibcea  and  Thaumacia,  filled  895 

Seven  ships,  with  Philoctetes  for  their  chief, 
A  warrior  skilled  to  bend  the  bow.     Each  bark 
Held  fifty  rowers,  bowmen  all,  and  armed 
For  stubborn  battle.     But  their  leader  lay 
Far  in  an  island,  suffering  grievous  pangs,  —         900 
The  hallowed  isle  of  Lemnos.     There  the  Greeks 
Left  him,  in  torture  from  a  venomed  wound 
Made  by  a  serpent's  fangs.     He  lay  and  pined. 
Yet  was  the  moment  near  when  they  who  thus 
Forsook  their  king  should  think  of  him  again.       905 
Meantime  his  troops  were  not  without  a  chief ; 
Though  greatly  they  desired  their  ancient  lord, 
For  now  the  base-born  Medon  marshalled  them, 
Son  of  Oi'leus.     Rhene  brought  him  forth 
To  that  destroyer  of  strong  fortresses.  9™ 

The  men  of  Tricca  and  Ithome's  hills, 


60  The  Iliad. 

And  they  who  held  CEchalia  and  the  town 

Of  Eurytus  the  CEchalian,  had  for  chiefs 

Two  sons  of  ^Esculapius,  healers  both, 

And  skilful,  —  Podalirius  one,  and  one  9* 

Machaon.     Thirty  hollow  barks  were  theirs. 

The  dwellers  of  Ormenium,  they  whose  homes 
Were  by  the  Hyperian  fount,  and  they 
Who  held  Asterium  and  the  snowy  peaks 
Of  Titanus,  obeyed  Eurypylus,  <>-•» 

Evaemon's  son,  and  far  renowned.     A  Meet 
Of  forty  dark-ribbed  vessels  followed  him. 

Those  who  possessed  Argissa,  those  who  held 
Gyrtone,  Orthe,  and  Helone,  those 
Who  dwelt  in  Oloosson  with  white  walls,  9=5 

The  sturdy  warrior  Polypoetes  led, 
Son  of  Pirithoiis,  who  derived  his  birth 
From  deathless  Jove.     Hippodameia  bore 
The  warrior  to  Pirithoiis  on  the  day 
When  he  took  vengeance  on  the  shaggy  brood      $v 
Of  Centaurs,  and  from  Pelion  drove  them  forth 
To  ^thicse.     Yet  not  alone  in  rule 
Was  Polypcetes,  for  Leonteus,  sprung 
Erom  the  large-souled  Coronus,  Caeneus'  son, 
Shared  with  him  the  command.     With  them  a  fleet 
Of  forty  dark-hulled  vessels  came  to  Troy.  936 

Then  Guneus  came,  with  two  and  twenty  ships 
From  Cythus.     Under  his  command  he  held 
The  Enienes,  and  that  sturdy  race, 
The  Periboean  warriors,  and  the  men 


Book  If.  6 1 

Who  built  on  cold  Doclona,  or  who  tilled 

The  fields  where  pleasant  Titaresius  flows 

And  into  Peneus  pours  his  gentle  stream, 

Yet  with  its  silver  eddies  mingles  not, 

But  floats  upon  the  current's  face  like  oil,  —         945 

A  Stygian  stream  by  which  the  immortals  swear. 

With  Prothoiis,  Tenthredon's  son,  there  came 
The  warriors  of  Magnesia,  who  abode 
By  Peneus,  and  by  Pelion  hung  with  woods  ; 
Swift-footed  Prothoiis  led  these.     They  came        950 
With  forty  dark-hulled  galleys  to  the  war. 

These  were  the  chiefs  and  princes  of  the  Greeks. 
Say,  Muse,  who  most  excelled  among  the  kings, 
And  which  the  noblest  steeds,  of  all  that  came 
With  the  two  sons  of  Atreus  to  the  war  ?  955 

The  noblest  steeds  were  those  in  Pherse  bred, 
That,  guided  by  Eumelus,  flew  like  birds,  — 
Alike  in  hue  and  age ;  the  plummet  showed 
Their  height  the  same,  and  both  were  mares,  and, 

reared 

By  Phoebus  of  the  silver  bow  among  960 

The  meadows  of  Pieria,  they  became 
The  terror  of  the  bloody  battle-field. 
The  mightiest  of  the  chiefs,  while  yet  in  wrath 
Achilles  kept  aloof,  was  Ajax,  son 
Of  Telamon  ;  yet  was  Pelides  far  *3 

The  greater  warrior,  and  the  steeds  which  bore 
That  perfect  hero  were  of  noblest  breed. 
In  his  beaked  galleys,  swift  to  cut  the  sea, 


62  The  Iliad, 

Achilles  lay,  meanwhile,  and  nursed  the  wrath 

He  bore  to  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son, 

The  shepherd  of  the  people.     On  the  beach 

His  warriors  took  their  sport  with  javelins 

And  quoits  and  bows,  while  near  the  chariots  tied 

The  horses,  standing,  browsed  on  lotus-leaves 

And  parsley  from  the  marshes.     But  beneath        9?s 

The  tents  the  closely  covered  chariots  stood, 

While  idly  through  the  camp  the  charioteers, 

Hither  and  thither  sauntering,  missed  the  sight 

Of  their  brave  lord  and  went  not  to  the  field. 

The  army  swept  the  earth  as  when  a  fire  980 

Devours  the  herbage  of  the  plains.     The  ground 
Groaned  under  them  as  when  the  Thunderer  Jove 
In  anger  with  his  lightnings  smites  the  earth 
About  Typhoeus — where  they  say  he  lies  — 
In  Arimi.     So  fearfully  the  ground 
Groaned  under  that  swift  army  as  it  moved. 

Now  to  the  Trojans  the  swift  Iris  came 
A  messenger  from  aegis-bearing  Jove, 
Tidings  of  bale  she  brought.     They  all  had  met  — 
Old  men  and  youths  —  in  council  at  the  gates       990 
Of  Priam's  mansion.     There  did  Iris  take 
Her  station  near  the  multitude,  and  spake, 
In  voice  and  gesture  like  Polites,  son 
Of  Priam,  who,  confiding  in  his  speed, 
Had  stood  a  watcher  for  the  sons  of  Troy  995 

On  aged  ^Esyeta's  lofty  tomb, 
To  cive  them  warning  when  the  Achaian  host 


Book  II.  63 

Should  issue  from  their  galleys.     Thus  disguised, 
Swift  Iris  spake  her  message  from  the  skies  :  — 

"  Father !  thou  art  delighted  with  much  speech, 
As  once  in  time  of  peace,  but  now  't  is  war,          i«>i 
Inevitable  war,  and  close  at  hand. 
I  have  seen  many  battles,  yet  have  ne'er 
Beheld  such  armies,  and  so  vast  as  these,  — 
In  number  like  the  sands  and  summer  leaves.      i<x>5 
They  march  across  the  plain,  prepared  to  give 
Battle  beneath  the  city  walls.     To  thee, 
O  Hector,  it  belongs  to  heed  my  voice 
And  counsel.     Many  are  the  allies  within 
The  walls  of  this  great  town  of  Priam,  men  1010 

Of  diverse  race  and  speech.     Let  every  chief 
Of  these  array  his  countrymen  for  war, 
And  give  them  orders  for  the  coming  fight." 

She  spake,  and  Hector  heeded  and  obeyed 
The  counsel  of  the  goddess  ;  he  dismissed  1013 

The  assembly  ;  all  the  Trojans  rushed  to  arms, 
And  all  the  gates  were  opened.    Horse  and  foot 
Poured  forth  together  in  tumultuous  haste. 

In  the  great  plain  before  the  city  stands 
A  mound  of  steep  ascent  on  every  side  ;  «»o 

Men  named  it  Batiea,  but  the  gods 
Called  it  the  swift  Myrinna's  tomb  ;  and  here 
Mustered  the  sons  of  Troy  and  their  allies. 

Great  Hector  of  the  beamy  helm,  the  son 
Of  Priam,  led  the  Trojan  race.     The  host  «°4 

Of  greatest  multitude  was  marshalled  there, 


64  The  I  Una. 

And  there  the  bravest,  mighty  with  the  spear. 

^Eneas  marshalled  the  Dardanian  troops,  — 
The  brave  son  of  Anchises.     Venus  bore 
The  warrior  to  Anchises  on  the  heights 
Of  Ida,  where  the  mortal  lover  met 
The  goddess.     Yet  he  ruled  them  not  alone ; 
Two  chiefs,  Antenor's  sons  Archelochus 
And  Acamas,  were  with  him  in  command, 
Expert  in  all  the  many  arts  of  war. 

The  Trojans  from  Zeleia,  opulent  men, 
Who  drank  the  dark  ^Esepus,  —  over  these 
Ruled  Pandarus,  Lycaon's  valiant  son, 
To  whom  the  god  Apollo  gave  his  bow. 

The  troops  from  Adrasteia,  they  who  dwelt 
Within  Apaesus'  walls,  or  tilled  the  soil 
Of  Fityeia  and  Tereia's  heights, 
Were  led  by  Amphius  and  Adrastus,  clad 
In  linen  corselets  for  the  war,  the  sons 
Of  Merops  the  Percosian,  skilled  beyond 
All  other  men  in  the  diviner's  art. 
Nor  would  he  that  his  sons  should  seek  the  field 
Of  slaughter.     They  obeyed  him  not  ;  the  fates 
Decreed  their  early  death  and  urged  them  on. 

The  dwellers  of  Percote,  Practium, 
And  Sestus,  and  Abydus,  and  divine 
Arisba,  followed  Asius,  great  among 
The  heroes  and  the  son  of  Hyrtacus,  — 
Asius,  who  came  with  strong  and  fiery  steeds, 
Borne  from  Arisba  and  from  Selleis'  banks. 


Book  11.  65 

Hippothoiis  over  the  Pelasgian  tribes  — 
Skilled  spearman,  who  abode  among  the  fields 
Of  the  deep-soiled  Larissa  —  bore  command,  — 
Hippothoiis  with  Pykeus,  who  derived 
Their  race  from  Mars,  and  for  their  father  claimed 
Pelasgian  Lethus,  son  of  Teutamus.  ^t 

And  Acamas,  and  Peiroiis,  valiant  chief, 
Were  captains  of  the  Thracian  men,  whose  fields 
Were  bounded  by  the  rushing  Hellespont. 
Euphemus  led  the  Cicones,  expert  i^-s 

To  wield  the  spear  in  fight.     The  nobly-born 
Trcezenus  was  his  father.     Ceas'  son 
Pyraechmes  with  Paeonia's  archers  came 
From  the  broad  Axius  in  far  Amydon, — 
Axius,  the  fairest  river  of  the  earth.  io;» 

Pylaemenes,  a  chief  of  fearless  heart, 
Led  from  the  region  of  the  Eneti, 
Where  first  the  stubborn  race  of  mules  was  bred, 
The  Paphlagonian  warriors,  they  who  held 
Cytorus,  Sesamus,  and  fair  abodes  io75 

Ikiilt  where  Parthenius  wanders  on,  and  those 
Who  dwelt  in  Cromna  and  /Egialus, 
And  on  the  lofty  Erythiniin  heights. 

And  Hodius  and  Epistrophus  led  on 
The  Halezonians  from  the  distant  land  1020 

Of  Alyba,  where  ores  of  silver  lie. 
And  Chromis  and  the  augur  Ennomus 
Were  leaders  of  the  Mysians  ;  but  his  skill 
Saved  not  the  augur  from  the  doom  of  death, 


66  The  Iliad. 

Slain  by  the  swift  of  foot,  ^Eacides,  -o35 

With  other  men  of  Troy  where  Xanthus  flows. 

And  Phorcys  and  Ascanius,  who  was  like 

A  god  in  beauty,  led  the  Phrygian  troops 

From  far  Ascania,  eager  for  the  fray. 

And  Antiphus  and  Mesthles  were  the  chiefs         i°9o 

Of  the  Maeonian  warriors,  reared  beside 

The  ships  of  Tmolus.     There  Gygaea's  lake 

Brought  forth  both  chieftains  to  Pylaemenes. 

Nastes  was  leader  of  the  Carian  troops, 
Who  spake  in  barbarous  accents  and  possessed   1095 
Miletus  and  the  leafy  mountain  heights 
Where  dwell  the  Phthirians,  and  Meander's  stream, 
And  airy  peaks  of  Mycale.     O'er  these 
Amphimachus  and  Nastes  held  command,  — 
Amphimachus  and  Nastes,  far  renowned  n<» 

Sons  of  Nomion,  him  who,  madly  vain, 
Went  to  the  battle  pranked  like  a  young  girl 
In  golden  ornaments.     They  spared  him  not 
The  bitter  doom  of  death  ;  he  fell  beneath 
The  hand  of  swift  yEacides  within  u°5 

The  river's  channel.     There  the  great  in  war, 
Achilles,  spoiled  Nomion  of  his  gold. 

Sarpedon  and  the  noble  Glaucus  bore 
Rule  o'er  the  Lycians  coming  from  afar, 
Where  eddying  Xanthus  runs  through  Lycia's  meads. 


Book  III.  67 


BOOK     III. 

N"  OW  when  both  armies  were  arrayed  f^r  war, 
Each  with  its  chiefs,  the  Trojan  host  moved  on 
With  shouts  and  clang  of  arms,  as  when  the  cry 
Of  cranes  is  in  the  air,  that,  flying  south 
From  winter  and  its  mighty  breadth  of  rain,  s 

Wing  their  way  over  ocean,  and  at  dawn 
Bring  fearful  battle  to  the  pygmy  race, 
Bloodshed  and  death.     But  silently  the  Greeks 
Went  forward,  breathing  valor,  mindful  still 
To  aid  each  other  in  the  coming  fray.  ™ 

As  when  the  south  wind  shrouds  a  mountain-top 
In  vapors  that  awake  the  shepherd's  fear, — 
A  surer  covert  for  the  thief  than  night,  — 
And  round  him  one  can  only  see  as  far 
As  one  can  hurl  a  stone,  — such  was  the  cloud      15 
Of  dust  that  from  the  warriors'  trampling  feet 
Rose  round  their  rapid  march  and  filled  the  air. 

Now  diew  they  near  each  other,  face  to  face, 
And  Paris  in  the  Trojan  van  pressed  on, 
In  presence  like  a  god.     A  leopard's  hide 
Was  thrown  across  his  shoulders,  and  he  bore 
A  crooked  bow  and  falchion.     Brandishing 
Two  brazen-pointed  javelins,  he  defied 
To  mortal  fight  the  bravest  of  the  Greeks. 

Him,  Menelaus,  loved  of  Mars,  beheld  =3 

Advancing  with  large  strides  before  the  rest ; 


68  The  Iliad. 

And  as  a  hungry  lion  who  has  made 
A  prey  of  some  large  beast  —  a  horned  stag 
Or  mountain  goat  —  rejoices,  and  with  speed 
Devours  it,  though  swift  hounds  and  sturdy  youths  * 
Press  on  his  flank,  so  Menelaus  felt 
Great  joy  when  Paris,  of  the  godlike  form, 
Appeared  in  sight,  for  now  he  thought  to  wreak 
His  vengeance  on  the  guilty  one,  and  straight 
Sprang  from  his  car  to  earth  with  all  his  arms.       33 

But  when  the  graceful  Paris  saw  the  chief 
Come  toward  him  from  the  foremost  ranks,  his  heart 
Was  troubled,  and  he  turned  and  passed  among 
His  fellow-warriors  and  avoided  death. 
As  one,  who  meets  within  a  mountain  glade  40 

A  serpent,  starts  aside  with  sudden  fright, 
And  takes  the  backward  way  with  trembling  limbs 
And  cheeks  all  white,  —  the  graceful  Paris  thus 
Before  the  son  of  Atreus  shrank  in  fear, 
And  mingled  with  the  high-souled  sons  of  Troy.    4; 
Hector  beheld  and  thus  upbraided  him 
Harshly  :  "  O  luckless  Paris,  nobly  formed. 
Yet  woman-follower  and  seducer!     Thou 
Shouldst  never  have  been  born,  or  else  at  best 
Have  died  umvedded  ;  better  were  it  far, 
Than  thus  to  be  a  scandal  and  a  scorn 
To  all  who  look  on  thee.     The  long-haired  Greeks, 
How  they  will  laugh,  who  for  thy  gallant  looks 
Deemed  thee  a  hero,  when  there  dwells  in  thee 
No  spirit  and  no  courage  ?     Wast  thou  such 


/look  III.  69 

When,  crossing  the  great  deep  in  thy  stanch  ships 

With  chosen  comrades,  thou  didst  make  thy  way 

Among  a  stranger-people  and  bear  off 

A  beautiful  woman  from  that  distant  land, 

Allied  by  marriage-ties  to  warrior-men,  —  &° 

A  mischief  to  thy  father  and  to  us 

And  all  the  people,  to  our  foes  a  joy, 

And  a  disgrace  to  thee  ?     Why  couldst  thou  not 

Await  Atrides  ?     Then  hadst  thou  been  taught 

From  what  a  valiant  warrior  thou  didst  take          e5 

His  blooming  spouse.     Thy  harp  will  not  avail, 

Nor  all  the  gifts  of  Venus,  nor  thy  locks, 

Nor  thy  fair  form,  when  thou  art  laid  in  dust. 

Surely  the  sons  of  Troy  are  faint  of  heart, 

Else  hadst  thou,  for  the  evil  thou  hast  wrought,     70 

Been  laid  beneath  a  coverlet  of  stone." 

Then  Paris,  of  the  godlike  presence,  spake 
In  answer  :  "  Hector,  thy  rebuke  is  just ; 
Thou  dost  not  wrong  me.     Dauntless  is  thy  heart  ; 
'T  is  like  an  axe  when,  wielded  by  the  hand  75 

That    hews   the    shipwright's   plank,   it    cuts    right 

through, 

Doubling  the  wielder's  force.     Such  tameless  heart 
Dwells  in  thy  bosom.     Yet  reproach  me  not 
With  the  fair  gifts  which  golden  Venus  gave. 
Whatever  in  their  grace  the  gods  bestow  & 

Is  not  to  be  rejected  :  't  is  not  ours 
To  choose  what  they  shall  give  us.     But  if  thou 
D^sirest  to  behold  my  prowess  shown 


;o  The  Iliad. 

In  combat,  cause  the  Trojans  and  the  Greeks 

To  pause  from  battle,  while,  between  the  hosts,     »3 

I  and  the  warlike  Menelaus  strive 

In  single  fight  for  Helen  and  her  wealth. 

Whoever  shall  prevail  and  prove  himself 

The  better  warrior,  let  him  take  with  him 

The  treasure  and  the  woman,  and  depart ;  <*> 

While  all  the  other  Trojans,  having  made 

A  faithful  league  of  amity,  shall  dwell 

On  Ilium's  fertile  plain,  and  all  the  Greeks 

Return  to  Argos,  famed  for  noble  steeds, 

And  to  Achaia,  famed  for  lovely  dames."  93 

He  spake,  and  Hector,  hearing  him,  rejoiced, 
And  went  between  the  hosts,  and  with  his  spear, 
Held  by  the  middle   pressed  the  phalanxes 
Of  Trojans  back,  and  made  them  all  sit  clown. 
The  long-haired   Greeks  meanwhile,  with   bended 
bows,  ioo 

Took  aim  against  him,  just  about  to  send 
Arrows  and  stones ;  but  Agamemnon,  king 
Of  men,  beheld,  and  thus  he  cried  aloud  :  — 

"  Restrain  yourselves,  ye  Argives  ;  let  not  fly 
Your  arrows,  ye  Achaians  ;  Hector  asks  —  105 

He  of  the  beamy  helmet  asks  to  speak." 

He  spake,  and  they  refrained,  and  all,  at  once, 
Were  silent.     Hector  then  stood  forth  and  said  :  — 

"  Hearken,  ye  Trojans  and  ye  nobly-armed 
Achaians,  to  what  Paris  says  by  me.  no 

He  bids  the  Trojans  and  the  Greeks  lay  down 


Book  III.  7\ 

Their  shining  arms  upon  the  teeming  earth, 
And  he  and  Menelaus,  loved  of  Mars, 
Will  strive  in  single  combat,  on  the  ground 
Between  the  hosts,  for  Helen  and  her  wealth  ;      »? 
And  he  who  shall  o'ercome,  and  prove  himself 
The  better  warrior,  to  his  home  shall  bear 
The  treasure  and  the  woman,  while  the  rest 
Shall  frame  a  solemn  covenant  of  peace." 

He  spake,  and  both  the  hosts  in  silence  heard.  <« 
Then  Menelaus,  great  in  battle,  said  :  — 

"  Now  hear  me  also,  —  me  whose  spirit  feels 
The  wrong  most  keenly.     I  propose  that  now 
The  Greeks  and  Trojans  separate  reconciled, 
For  greatly  have  ye  suffered  for  the  sake  I25 

Of  this  my  quarrel,  and  the  original  fault 
Of  Paris.     Whomsoever  fate  ordains 
To  perish,  let  him  die  ;  but  let  the  rest 
Be  from  this  moment  reconciled,  and  part. 
And  bring  an  offering  of  two  lambs  —  one  white,  t3c 
The  other  black  —  to  Earth  and  to  the  Sun, 
And  we  ourselves  will  offer  one  to  Jove. 
And  be  the  mighty  Priam  here,  that  he 
May  sanction  this  our  compact,  — for  his  sons 
Are  arrogant  and  faithless,  —  lest  some  hand         i-a 
Wickedly  break  the  covenant  of  Jove. 
The  younger  men  are  of  a  fickle  mood  ; 
But  when  an  elder  shares  the  act  he  looks 
Both  to  the  past  and  future,  and  provides 
What  is  most  fitting  and  the  best  for  all."  MO 


72  The  Iliad. 

He  spake,  and  both  the  Greeks  and  Trojans  heard 
His  words  with  joy,  and  hoped  the  hour  was  come 
To  end  the  hard-fought  war.  They  reined  their 

steeds 

Back  to  the  ranks,  alighted,  and  put  off 
Their  armor,  which  they  laid  upon  the  ground       MS 
Near  them  in  piles,  with  little  space  between. 

Then  Hector  sent  two  heralds  forth  with  speed 
Into  the  town,  to  bring  the  lambs  and  call 
King  Priam.     Meanwhile  Agamemnon  bade 
Talthybius  seek  the  hollow  ships  and  find  is* 

A  lamb  for  the  altar.     He  obeyed  the  words 
Of  noble  Agamemnon,  king  of  men. 

Meanwhile  to  white-armed  Helen  Iris  came 
A  messenger.     She  took  a  form  that  seemed 
Laodice,  the  sister  of  Paris,  whom  155 

Antenor's  son,  King  Helicaon,  wed,  — 
Fairest  of  Priam's  daughters.     She  drew  near 
To  Helen,  in  the  palace,  weaving  there 
An  ample  web,  a  shining  double-robe, 
Whereon  were  many  conflicts  fairly  wrought,          ><* 
Endured  by  the  horse-taming  sons  of  Troy 
And  brazen-mailed  Achaians  for  her  sake 
Upon  the  field  of  Mars.     Beside  her  stood 
Swift-footed  Iris,  and  addressed  her  thus  :  — 

"Dear  lady,  come  and  see  the  Trojan  knight?  ^ 
And  brazen-mailed  Achaians  doing  things 
To  wonder  at.     They  who,  in  this  sad  war, 
Eager  to  slay  each  other,  lately  met 


Book  ///.  73 

fn  murderous  combat  on  the  field,  are  now 

Seated  in  silence,  and  the  war  hath  ceased.  170 

They  lean  upon  their  shields  ,  their  massive  spears 

Are  near  them,  planted  in  the  ground  upright. 

Paris,  and  Menelaus,  loved  of  Mars, 

With  their  long  lances  will  contend  for  thee, 

And  thou  wilt  be  declared  the  victor's  spouse."     175 

She  said,  and  in  the  heart  of  Helen  woke 
Dear  recollections  of  her  former  spouse 
And  of  her  home  and  kindred.     Instantly 
She  left  her  chamber,  robed  and  veiled  in  white, 
And  shedding  tender  tears  ;  yet  not  alone, 
For  with  her  went  two  maidens, —  /Kthra,  child 
Of  Pitheus,  and  the  large-eyed  Clymene. 
Straight  to  the  Seaman  gates  they  walked,  by  which 
Panthoiis,  Priam,  and  Thymcetes  sat, 
Lampus  and  Clytius,  Hicetaon  sprung 
From  Mars,  Antenor  and  Ucalegon, 
Two  sages,  —  elders  of  the  people  all. 
Beside  the  gates  they  sat,  unapt,  through  age, 
For  tasks  of  war,  but  men  of  fluent  speech, 
Kike  the  cicadas  that  within  the  wood  ^ 

Sit  on  the  trees  and  utter  delicate  sounds. 
Such  were  the  nobles  of  the  Trojan  race 
Who  sat  upon  the  tower.     But  when  they  marked 
The  approach  of  Helen,  to  each  other  thus 
With  winged  words,  but  in  low  tones,  they  said  :  —  195 

"  Small  blame  is  theirs,  if  both  the  Trojan  knights 
And  brazen-mailed  Achaians  have  endured 


74  '1*1  ic  Iliad. 

So  long  so  many  evils  for  the  sake 
Of  that  one  woman.     She  is  wholly  like 
In  feature  to  the  deathless  goddesses. 
So  be  it :  let  her,  peerless  as  she  is, 
Return  on  board  the  fleet,  nor  stay  to  bring 
Disaster  upon  us  and  all  our  race." 

So  spake  the  elders.     Priam  meantime  called 
To  Helen  :  "  Come,  dear  daughter,  sit  by  me.       =o< 
Thou  canst  behold  thy  former  husband  hence, 
Thy  kindred  and  thy  friends.     I  blame  thee  not ; 
The  blame  is  with  the  immortals  who  have  sent 
These  pestilent  Greeks  against  me.     Sit  and  name 
For  me  this  mighty  man,  the  Grecian  chief,  ™ 

Gallant  and  tall.     True,  there  are  taller  men  ; 
But  of  such  noble  form  and  dignity 
I  never  saw  :  in  truth,  a  kingly  man." 

And  Helen,  fairest  among  womenj  thus 
Answered  :  "  Dear  second  father,  whom  at  once  =15 
I  fear  and  honor,  would  that  cruel  death 
Had  overtaken  me  before  I  left, 
To  wander  with  thy  son,  my  marriage-bed. 
And  my  dear  daughter,  and  the  company 
Of  friends  I  loved.     But  that  was  not  to  be  ;         ==* 
And  now  I  pine  and  weep.     Yet  will  I  tell 
What  thou  dost  ask.     The  hero  whom  thoy  seest 
Is  the  wide-ruling  Agamemnon,  son 
Of  Atreus,  and  is  both  a  gracious  king 
And  a  most  dreaded  warrior.     He  was  one*"         --i 
Brother-in-law  to  me,  if  I  may  speak  — 


Book  IIL  75 

Lost  as  I  am  to  shame  —  of  such  a  tie." 

She  said,  the  aged  man  admired,  and  then 
He  spake  again  :  "  O  son  of  Atreus,  born 
Under  a  happy  fate,  and  fortunate  230 

Among  the  sons  of  men  !     A  mighty  host 
Of  Grecian  youths  obey  thy  rule.     I  went 
To  Phrygia  once,  —  that  land  of  vines,  —  and  there 
Saw  many  Phrygians,  heroes  on  fleet  steeds, 
The  troops  of  Otreus,  and  of  Mygdon,  shaped       235 
Like  one  of  the  immortals.     They  encamped 
By  the  Sangarius.     I  was  an  ally  ; 
My  troops  were  ranked  with  theirs  upon  the  day 
When  came  the  unsexed  Amazons  to  war. 
Yet  even  there  I  saw  not  such  a  host  w 

As  this  of  black-eyed  Greeks  who  muster  here." 

Then  Priam  saw  Ulysses,  and  inquired  :  — 
"  Dear  daughter,  tell  me  also  who  is  that, 
Less  tall  than  Agamemnon,  yet  more  broad 
In  chest  and  shoulders.     On  the  teeming  earth     245 
His  armor  lies,  but  he,  from  place  to  place, 
Walks  round  among  the  ranks  of  soldiery, 
As  when  the  thick-fleeced  father  of  the  flocks 
Moves  through  the  multitude  of  his  white  sheep." 

And  Jove-descended  Helen  answered  thus  :  —  25° 
u  That  is  Ulysses,  man  of  many  arts, 
Son  of  Laertes,  reared  in  Ithaca, 
That  rugged  isle,  and  skilled  in  every  form 
Of  shrewd  device  and  action  wisely  planned." 

Then  spake  the  sage  Antenor  :  "  Thou  hast  said  255 


76  The  Iliad. 

The  truth,  O  lady.     This  Ulysses  once 

Came  on  an  embassy,  concerning  thee, 

To  Troy  with  Menelaus,  great  in  war  ; 

And  I  received  them  as  my  guests,  and  they 

Were  lodged  within  my  palace,  and  I  learned       ?<*> 

The  temper  and  the  qualities  of  both. 

When  both  were  standing  'mid  the  men  of  Troy, 

I  marked  that  Menelaus's  broad  chest 

Made  him  the  more  conspicuous,  but  when  both 

Were  seated,  greater  was  the  dignity  -*s 

Seen  in  Ulysses.     When  they  both  addressed 

The  council.  Menelaus  briefly  spake 

In  pleasing  tones,  though  with  few  words,  —  as  one 

Not  given  to  loose  and  wandering  speech,  —  although 

The  younger.     When  the  wise  Ulysses  rose, 

He  stood  with  eyes  cast  down,  and  fixed  on  earth, 

And  neither  swayed  his  sceptre  to  the  right 

Nor  to  the  left,  but  held  it  motionless, 

Like  one  unused  to  public  speech.      Me  seemed 

An  idiot  out  of  humor.     But  when  forth 

He  sent  from  his  full  lungs  his  mighty  voice, 

And  words  carne  like  a  fall  of  winter  snow, 

No  mortal  then  would  dare  to  strive  with  him 

For  mastery  in  speech.     We  less  admired 

The  aspect  of  Ulysses  than  his  words." 

Beholding  Ajax  then,  the  aged  king 
Asked  yet  again  :  "  Who  is  that  other  chief 
Of  the  Achaians,  tall,  and  large  of  limb,  — 
Taller  ami  broader-chested  than  the  rest  ?  " 


Book  Iff.  77 

Helen,  the  beautiful  and  richly-robed, 
Answered  :  "  Thou  seest  the  mighty  Ajax  there, 
The  bulwark  of  the  Greeks.     On  the  other  side, 
Among  his  Cretans,  stands  Idomeneus, 
Of  godlike  aspect,  near  to  whom  are  grouped 
The  leaders  of  the  Cretans.     Oftentimes  **> 

The  warlike  Menelaus  welcomed  him 
Within  our  palace,  when  he  came  from  Crete. 
I  could  point  out  and  name  the  other  chiefs 
Of  the  dark-eyed  Achaians.     Two  alone, 
Princes  among  their  people,  are  not  seen,  — 
Castor  the  fearless  horseman,  and  the  skilled 
In  boxing,  Pollux,  —  twins  ;  one  mother  bore 
Both  them  and  me.     Came  they  not  with  the  rest 
From  pleasant  Laceclsemon  to  the  war  ? 
Or,  having  crossed  the  deep  in  their  good  ships,  30'. 
Shun  they  to  fight  among  the  valiant  ones 
Of  Greece,  because  of  my  reproach  and  shame  ?  " 

She  spake  ;  but  they  already  lay  in  earth 
In  Lacedaemon,  their  dear  native  land. 

And  now  the  heralds  through  the  city  bore       3°? 
The  sacred  pledges  of  the  gods,  —  two  lambs, 
And  joyous  wine,  the  fruit  of  Earth,  within 
A  goat-skin.     One  of  them  —  Idaeus  —  brought 
A  glistening  vase  and  golden  drinking-cups, 
And  summoned,  in  these  words,  the  aged  king :  —  3" 

"  Son  of  Laomedon,  arise  !     The  chiefs 
Who  lead  the  Trojan  knights  and  brazen-mailed 
Achaians  pray  thee  to  descend  at  once 


78  77/6'  Iliad. 

Into  the  plain,  that  thou  mayst  ratify 

A  faithful  compact.     Alexander  now  315 

And  warlike  Menelaus  will  contend 

With  their  long  spears  for  Helen.     She  and  all 

Her  treasures  are  to  be  the  conqueror's  prize  ; 

While  all  the  other  Trojans,  having  made 

A  faithful  league  of  amity,  shall  dwell  3=0 

On  Ilium's  fertile  plain,  and  all  the  Greeks 

Return  to  Argos,  famed  for  noble  steeds, 

And  to  Achaia,  famed  for  lovely  dames." 

He  spake,  and  Priam,  shuddering,  heard  and  bade 
The  attendants  yoke  the  horses  to  his  car.  325 

Soon  were  they  yoked ;  he  mounted  first  and  drew 
The  reins  ;  Antenor  took  a  place  within 
The  sumptuous  car,  and  through  the  Scaean  gates 
They  guided  the  fleet  coursers  toward  the  field. 

Now  when  the  twain  had  come  where  lay  the 
hosts  33- 

Of  Trojans  and  Achaians,  down  they  stepped 
Upon  the  teeming  earth,  and  went  among 
The  assembled  armies.     Quickly,  as  they  came, 
Rose  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,  and  next 
Uprose  the  wise  Ulysses.    To  the  spot  33; 

The  illustrious  heralds  brought  the  sacred  things 
That  bind  a  treaty,  and  with  mingled  wine 
They  filled  a  chalice,  and  upon  the  hands 
Of  all  the  kings  poured  water.     Then  the  son 
Of  Atreus  drew  a  dagger  which  he  wore  w 

Slung  by  his  sword's  huge  sheath,  and  clipped  a\vay 


F>ook  in.  79 

The  forelocks  of  the  lambs,  and  parted  thtm 

Among  the  Trojan  and  Achaian  chiefs, 

And  stood  with  lifted  hands  and  prayed  aloud  :  — 

"O  Father  Jupiter,  who  rulest  all  w 

From  Ida,  mightiest,  most  august !  and  thou, 

0  all-beholding  and  all-hearing  Sun  ! 

Ye  Rivers,  and  thou  Earth,  and  ye  who  dwell 

Beneath  the  earth  and  punish  after  death 

Those  who  have  sworn  false  oaths,  bear  witness  ye,  350 

And  keep  unbroken  this  day's  promises. 

If  Alexander  in  the  combat  slay 

My  brother  Menelaus,  he  shall  keep 

Helen  and  all  her  wealth,  while  we  return 

Homeward  in  our  good  ships.     If,  otherwise,        355 

The  bright-haired  Menelaus  take  the  life 

Of  Alexander,  Helen  and  her  wealth 

Shall  be  restored,  and  they  of  Troy  shall  pay 

Such  fine  as  may  be  meet,  and  may  be  long 

Remembered  in  the  ages  yet  to  come.  360 

And  then  if,  after  Alexander's  fall, 

Priam  and  Priam's  sons  refuse  the  fine, 

1  shall  make  war  for  it,  and  keep  my  place 
By  Troy  until  I  gain  the  end  I  seek." 

So  spake  the  king,  and  with  the  cruel  steel        365 
Cut  the  lambs'  throats,  and  laid  them  on  the  ground, 
Panting  and  powerless,  for  the  dagger  took 
Their  lives  away.     Then  over  them  they  poured 
Wine  from  the  chalice,  drawn  in  golden  cups, 
And  prayed  to  the  ever-living  gods  ;  and  thus       370 


8o  Tlic  Iliad. 

Were  Trojans  and  Achaians  heard  to  say  :  — 

"  O  Jupiter  most  mighty  and  august ! 
Whoever  first  shall  break  these  solemn  oaths, 
So  may  their  brains  flow  down  upon  the  earth,  — 
Theirs  and  their  children's,  —  like  the  wine  we  pour, 
And  be  their  wives  the  wives  of  other  men." 

Such  was  the  people's  vow.     Saturnian  Jove 
Confirmed  it  not.     Then  Priam,  of  the  line 
Of  Dardanus,  addressed  the  armies  thus  :  — 

"  Hear    me,   "e   Trojans,    and   ye    well-greaved 
Greeks !  38" 

For  me  I  mus'-  return  to  wind-swept  Troy. 
I  cannot  beat,  with  these  old  eyes,  to  look 
On  my  clear  son  engaged  in  desperate  fight 
With  Mene'aus,  the  beloved  of  Mars. 
Jove  and  'he  ever-living  gods  alone  335 

Know  which  of  them  shall  meet  the  doom  of  death." 

So  spake  the  godlike  man,  and  placed  the  lambs 
Within  his  chariot,  mounted,  and  drew  up 
The  r^ ins.     Anterior  by  him  took  his  place 
Withm  the  sumptuous  chariot.     Then  they  turned  n° 
The  horses  and  retraced  their  way  to  Troy. 

But  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  and  the  great 
Ulysses  measured  off  a  fitting  space, 
And  in  a  brazen  helmet,  to  decide 
Which  warrior  first  should  hurl  the  brazen  spear,  •&<, 
They  shook  the  lots,  while  all  the  people  round 
Lifted  their  hands  to  heaven  and  prayed  the  gods ; 
And  thus  the  Trojans  and  Achaians  said  :  — 


Book  III.  8 1 

"  O  Father  Jove,  who  rulest  from  the  top 
Of  Ida,  mightiest  one  and  most  august !  400 

Whichever  of  these  twain  has  done  the  wrong, 
Grant  that  he  pass  to  Pluto's  dwelling,  slain, 
While  friendship  and  a  faithful  league  are  ours." 

So  spake  they.     Hector  of  the  beamy  helm 
Looked  back  and  shook  the  lots.      Forth  leaped  at 
once  405 

The  lot  of  Paris.     Then  they  took  their  seats 
In  ranks  beside  their  rapid  steeds,  and  where 
Lay  their  rich  armor.     Paris  the  divine, 
Husband  of  bright-haired  Helen,  there  put  on 
His  shining  panoply,  —  upon  his  legs  v<. 

Fair  greaves,  with  silver  clasps,  and  on  his  breast 
His  brother's  mail,  Lycaon's,  fitting  well 
His  form.     Around  his  shoulders  then  he  hung 
His  silver-studded  sword,  and  stout,  broad  shield, 
And  gave  his  glorious  brows  the  dreadful  helm,    415 
Dark  with  its  horse-hair  plume.     A  massive  spear 
Filled  his  right  hand.     Meantime  the  warlike  son 
Of  Atreus  clad  himself  in  like  array. 

And  now  when  both  were  armed  for  fight,  and  each 
Had  left  his  host,  and,  coming  forward,  walked    420 
Between  the  Trojans  and  the  Greeks,  and  frowned 
Upon  the  other,  a  mute  wonder  held 
The  Trojan  cavaliers  and  well-greavecl  Greeks. 
There  near  each  other  in  the  measured  space 
They  stood  in  wrathful  mood  with  lifted  spears.    42= 

First  Paris  hurled  his  massive  spear ;  it  smote 
4*  F 


82  The  Iliad. 

The  round  shield  of  Atrides,  but  the  brass 
Broke  not  beneath  the  blow  ;  the  weapon's  point 
Was  bent  on  that  strong  shield.     The  next  assault 
Atrides  Menelaus  made,  but  first  430 

Offered  this  prayer  to  Father  Jupiter-: 

"O  sovereign  Jove!   vouchsafe  that  I  avenge 
On  guilty  Paris  wrongs  which  he  was  first 
To  offer  ;  let  him  fall  beneath  my  hand, 
That  men  may  dread  hereafter  to  requite  4.« 

The  friendship  of  a  host  with  injury.'' 

He  spake,  and  flung  his  brandished  spear;    it 

smote 

The  round  shield  of  Priamides  ;  right  through 
The  shining  buckler  went  the  rapid  steel, 
And,  cutting  the  soft  tunic  near  the  flank,  440 

Stood  fixed  in  the  fair  corselet.     Paris  bent 
Sideways  before  it  and  escaped  his  death. 
Atrides  drew  his  silver- studded  sword, 
Lifted  it  high  and  smote  his  enemy's  crest. 
The  weapon,  shattered  to  four  fragments,  fell.       44=; 
He    looked   to    the   broad   heaven,    and    thus    ex 
claimed  :  — 

"  O  Father  Jove  !  thou  art  of  all  the  gods 
The  most  unfriendly.     I  had  hoped  to  avenge 
The  wrong  by  Paris  done  me,  but  my  sword 
Is  broken  in  my  grasp,  and  from  my  hand  4;° 

The  spear  was  vainly  flung  and  gave  no  wound.'' 

He  spake,  and,  rushing  forward,  seized  the 
Of  Paris  by  its  horse-hair  crest,  and  turned 


Book  HI.  S3 

And  dragged  him  toward  the  well-armed  Greeks. 

Beneath 

His  tender  throat  the  embroidered  band  that  held  455 
The  helmet  to  the  chin  was  choking  him. 
And  now  had  Menelaus  dragged  him  thence, 
And  earned  great  glory,  if  the  child  of  Jove, 
Venus,  had  not  perceived  his  plight  in  time. 
She  broke  the  ox-hide  band  ;  an  empty  helm         & 
Followed  the  powerful  hand  ;  the  hero  saw, 
Swung  it  aloft  and  hurled  it  toward  the  Greeks, 
And  there  his  comrades  seized  it.     He  again 
Rushed  with  his  brazen  spear  to  slay  his  foe. 
But  Venus  —  for  a  goddess  easily  463 

Can  work  such  marvels — rescued  him,  and,  wrapped 
In  a  thick  shadow,  bore  him  from  the  field 
And  placed  him  in  his  chamber,  where  the  air 
Was  sweet  with  perfumes.     Then  she  took  her  way 
To  summon  Helen.     On  the  lofty  tower  4?o 

She  found  her,  midst  a  throng  of  Trojan  dames, 
And  plucked  her  perfumed  robe.    She  took  the  form 
And  features  of  a  spinner  of  the  fleece, 
An  aged  dame,  who  used  to  comb  for  her 
The  fair  white  wool  in  Lacedaemon's  halls,  475 

And  loved  her  much.     In  such  an  humble  guise 
The  goddess  Venus  thus  to  Helen  spake  :  — 
"  Come  hither,  Alexander  sends  for  thee  \ 
He  now  is  in  his  chamber  and  at  rest 
On  his  carved  couch  ;  in  beauty  and  attire  &<- 

Resplendent,  not  like  one  who  just  returns 


8/L  The  Ilia  it. 

From  combat  with  a  hero,  but  like  one 
Who  goes  to  mingle  in  the  choral  dance, 
Or,  when  the  dance  is  ended,  takes  his  seat." 

She  spake,  and  Helen  heard  her,  deeply  moved ; 
Yet  when  she  marked  the  goddess's  fair  neck,       4^ 
Beautiful  bosom,  and  soft,  lustrous  eyes, 
Her  heart  was  touched  with  awe,  and  thus  she  said  : — 

"  Strange  being  !  why  wilt  thou  delude  mo  still  ? 
Wouldst  thou  decoy  me  further  on  among  4/c 

The  populous  Phrygian  towns,  or  those  that  stud 
Pleasant  Maeonia,  where  there  haply  dwells 
Some  one  of  mortal  race  whom  thou  dost  deign 
To  make  thy  favorite.     Hast  thou  seen,  perhaps, 
That  Menelaus,  having  overpowered  49, 

The  noble  Alexander,  seeks  to  bear 
Me,  hated  as  1  must  be,  to  his  home  ? 
And  hast  thou  therefore  fallen  on  this  device  ? 
Go  to  him,  sit  by  him,  renounce  for  him 
The  company  of  gods,  and  never  more  y»> 

Return  to  heaven,  but  suffer  with  him  ;  watch 
Beside  him  till  he  take  thee  for  his  wife 
Or  handmaid.     Thither  I  shall  never  go, 
To  adorn  his  couch  and  to  disgrace  myself. 
The  Trojan  dames  would  taunt  me.     O,  the  griefs  w 
That  press  upon  my  soul  are  infinite  !  " 

Displeased,  the  goddess  Venus  answered : "  Wretch, 
Incens-3  me  not,  lest  I  abandon  thee 
In  anger,  and  detest  thee  with  a  zeal 
As  great  as  is  my  love,  and  lest  I  cause  w 


Book  III.  £5 

Trojans  and  Greeks  to  hate  thee,  so  that  thou 
Shalt  miserably  perish."     Thus  she  spake  ; 
And  Helen,  Jove-begotten,  struck  with  awe, 
Wrapped  in  a  robe  of  shining  white,  went  forth 
In  silence  from  amidst  the  'Trojan  dames,  3.$ 

Unheeded,  for  the  goddess  led  the  way. 

When  now  they  stood  beneath  the  sumptuous  roof 
Of  Alexander,  straightway  did  the  maids 
Turn  to  their  wonted  tasks,  while  she  went  up, 
Fairest  of  women,  to  her  chamber.     There  5--° 

The  laughing  Venus  brought  and  placed  a  seat 
Right  opposite  to  Paris.     Helen  sat, 
Daughter  of  aegis-bearing  Jove,  with  eyes 
Averted,  and  reproached  her  husband  thus  :  — 

"  Com'st  thou  from   battle?     Rather  would  that 

thou 

Hadst  perished  by  the  mighty  hand  of  him 
Who  was  my  husband.     It  was  once,  I  know, 
Thy  boast  that  thou  vvert  more  than  peer  in  strength 
And  power  of  hand,  and  practice  with  the  spear, 
To  warlike  Menelaus.     Go  then  now,  530 

Defy  him  to  the  combat  once  again. 
And  yet  I  counsel  thee  to  stand  aloof, 
Nor  rashly  seek  a  combat,  hand  to  hand, 
With  fair  haired  Menelaus,  lest  perchance 
He  smite  thee  with  his  spear  and  thou  be  slain."  r-,3 

Then  Paris  answered  :  "  Woman,  chide  me  not 
Thus  harshly.     True  it  is,  that,  with  the  aid 
Of  Pallas,  Menelaus  hath  obtained 


86  T/ic  Iliad. 

The  victory ;  but  I  may  vanquish  him 

In  turn,  for  we  have  also  gods  with  us.  s« 

Give  we  the  hour  to  dalliance  ;  never  yet 

Have  I  so  strongly  proved  the  power  of  love,  — 

Not  even  when  1  bore  thee  from  thy  home 

In  pleasant  Lacedasmon,  traversing 

The  deep  in  my  good  ships,  and  in  the  isle  545 

Of  Cranae  made  thee  mine,  —  such  glow  of  love 

Possesses  me,  and  sweetness  of  desire." 

He  spake,  and  to  the  couch  went  up  ;  his  wife 
Followed,  and  that  fair  couch  received  them  both. 

Meantime  Atrides,  like  a  beast  of  prey,  550 

Went  fiercely  ranging  through  the  crowd  in  search 
Of  godlike  Alexander.     None  of  all 
The  Trojans,  or  of  their  renowned  allies, 
Could  point  him  out  to  Menelaus,  loved 
Of  Mars ;  and  had  they  known  his  lurking-place  555 
They  would  not  for  his  sake  have  kept  him  hid, 
For  like  black  death  they  hated  him.      Then  stood 
Among  them  Agamemnon,  king  of  men, 
And  spake  :  "Ye  Trojans  and  Achaians,  hear, 
And  ye  allies.     The  victory  belongs  & 

To  warlike  Menelaus.     Ye  will  then 
Restore  the  Argive  Helen  and  her  wealth, 
And  pay  the  fitting  fine,  which  shall  remain 
A  memory  to  men  in  future  times." 

Thus  spake  the  son  of  Atreus,  and  the  rest        s^ 
Of  the  Achaian  host  approved  his  words. 


Book  IV.  87 


BOOK    IV. 

MEANTIME  the  immortal  gods  with  Jupiter 
Upon  his  golden  pavement  sat  and  held 
A  council.     Hebe,  honored  of  them  all, 
Ministered  nectar,  and  from  cups  of  gold 
They  pledged  each  other,  looking  down  on  Troy.  5 
When,  purposely  to  kindle  Juno's  mood 
To  anger,  Saturn's  son,  with  biting  words 
That  well  betrayed  his  covert  meaning,  spake  :  — 

"  Two  goddesses  —  the  Argive  Juno  one, 
The  other  Pallas,  her  invincible  friend  —  -c 

Take  part  with  Menelaus,  yet  they  sit 
Aloof,  content  with  looking  on,  while  still 
Venus,  the  laughter-loving  one,  protects 
Her  Paris,  ever  near  him,  warding  off 
The  stroke  of  fate.     Just  now  she  rescued  him       '5 
When  he  was  near  his  death.     The  victory 
Belongs  to  Menelaus,  loved  of  Mars. 
Now  let  us  all  consider  what  shall  be 
The  issue,  —  whether  we  allow  the  war, 
With  all  its  waste  of  life,  to  be  renewed,  *•> 

Or  cause  the  warring  nations  to  sit  down 
In  amity.     If  haply  it  shall  be 
The  pleasure  and  the  will  of  all  the  gods, 
Let  Priam's  city  keep  its  dwellers  still, 
And  Menelaus  lead  his  Helen  home."  t? 

He  spake,  but  Juno  and  Minerva  sat, 


88  The  Iliad. 

And  with  closed  lips  repined,  for  secretly 

They  plotted  evil  for  the  Trojan  race. 

Minerva  held  her  peace  in  bitterness 

Of  heart  and  sore  displeased  with  Father  Jove.      y> 

But  Juno  could  not  curb  her  wrath,  and  spake  : 

"What  words,  austere  Saturnius,  hast  thou  said! 
Wilt  thou  then  render  vain  the  toils  I  bear, 
And  all  my  sweat  ?     My  very  steeds  even  now 
Are  weary  with  the  mustering  of  the  host  x 

That  threaten  woe  to  Priam  and  his  sons. 
Yet  do  thy  will ;  but  be  at  least  assured 
That  all  the  other  gods  approve  it  not." 

The  cloud-compelling  Jupiter  replied 
In  anger  :  "  Pestilent  one  !  what  grievous  wrong    40 
Hath  Priam  done  to  thee,  or  Priam's  sons, 
That  thou  shouldst  persevere  to  overthrow 
His  noble  city?     Shouldst  thou  through  the  gates 
Of  Ilium  make  thy  way,  and  there  devour, 
Within  the  ramparts,  Priam  and  his  sons  45 

And  all  the  men  of  Troy  alive,  thy  rage 
Haply  might  be  appeased.     Do  as  thou  wilt, 
So  that  this  difference  breed  no  lasting  strife 
Between  us.     Yet  I  tell  thee  this,  — and  thou 
Bear  what  I  say  in  mind  :  In  time  to  come, 
Should  I  design  to  level  in  the  dust 
Some  city  where  men  dear  to  thee  are  born, 
Seek  not  to  thwart  my  vengeance,  but  submit. 
For  now  I  fully  yield  me  to  thy  wish, 
Though  with  unwilling  mind.     Wherever  dwell       5j 


Book  IV.  89 

The  race  of  humankind  beneath  the  sun 

And  starry  heaven,  of  all  their  cities  Troy 

Has  been  by  me  most  honored,  —  sacred  Troy,  — 

And  Priam,  and  the  people  who  obey 

Priam,  the  wielder  of  the  ashen  spear;  <t 

For  there  my  altars  never  lacked  their  rites,  — 

Feasts,  incense,  and  libations  duly  paid." 

Then  Juno,  the  majestic,  with  large  eyes, 
Rejoined  :  "  The  cities  most  beloved  by  me 
Are  three,  —  Mycenas,  with  her  spacious  streets,    ^ 
Argos,  and  Sparta.     Raze  them  to  the  ground, 
If  they  be  hateful  to  thee.     I  shall  ne'er 
Contend  to  save  them,  nor  repine  to  see 
Their  fall  ;  for,  earnestly  as  I  might  seek 
To  rescue  them  from  ruin,  all  my  aid  ^ 

Would  not  avail,  so  much  the  mightier  thou. 
Yet  doth  it  ill  become  thee  thus  to  make 
My  efforts  vain.     I  am  a  goddess,  sprung 
From  the  same  stock  with  thee  ;  I  am  the  child 
Of  crafty  Saturn,  and  am  twice  revered,  —  75 

Both  for  my  birth  and  that  I  am  the  spouse 
Of  thee  who  rulest  over  all  the  gods. 
Now  let  us  each  yield  somewhat,  —  I  to  thee 
And  thou  to  me  ;  the  other  deathless  gods 
Will  follow  us.     Let  Pallas  be  despatched  ^ 

To  that  dread  battle-field  on  which  are  ranged 
The  Trojans  and  Achaians,  and  stir  up 
The  Trojan  warriors  first  to  lift  their  hands 
Against  the  elated  Greeks  and  break  the  league.'1 


(jo  The  Iliait. 

She  ended,  and  the  Father  of  the  gods  *$ 

And  mortals  instantly  complied,  and  called 
Minerva,  and  in  winged  accents  said  :  — 
"  Haste  to  the  battle-field,  and  there,  among 
The  Trojan  and  Achaian  armies,  cause 
The  Trojan  warriors  first  to  lift  their  hands  9" 

Against  the  elated  Greeks  and  break  the  league." 

So  saying,  Jupiter  to  Pallas  gave 
The  charge  she  wished  already.     She  in  haste 
Shot  from  the  Olympian  summits,  like  a  star 
Sent  by  the  crafty  Saturn's  son  to  warn  ^ 

The  seamen  or  some  mighty  host  in  arms,  — 
A  radiant  meteor  scattering  sparkles  round. 
So  came  and  lighted  Pallas  on  the  earth 
Amidst  the  armies.     All  who  saw  were  seized 
With    wonder,  —  Trojan    knights    and    well-armed 
Greeks ;  too 

And  many  a  one.  addressed  his  comrade  thus  :  — 

"  Sure  we  shall  have  the  wasting  war  again, 
And  stubborn  combats  ;  or,  it  may  be,  Jove, 
The  arbiter  of  wars  among  mankind, 
Decrees  that  the  two  nations  dwell  in  peace."        •"-, 

So  Greeks  and  Trojans  said.     The  goddess  went 
Among  the  Trojan  multitude  disguised  ; 
She  seemed  Laodocus,  Antenor's  son, 
A  valiant  warrior,  seeking  through  the  ranks 
For  godlike  Pandarus.     At  length  she  found         m 
Lycaon's  gallant  and  illustrious  son, 
Standing  with  bucklered  warriors  ranged  around, 


Book  IV.  91 

Who  followed  him  from  where  yEsepus  flows  ; 
And,  standing  near,  she  spake  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  Son  of  Lycaon  !  wilt  thou  hear  my  words,        "5 
Brave  as  thou  art  ?     Then  wilt  thou  aim  a  shaft 
At  Menelaus  ;  thus  wilt  thou  have  earned 
Great  thanks  and  praise  from  all  the  men  of  Troy, 
And  chiefly  from  Prince  Paris,  who  will  fill, 
Foremost  of  all,  thy  hands  with  lavish  gifts,          1=0 
When  he  shall  look  on  Menelaus  slain  — 
The  warlike  son  of  Atreus — by  thy  hand, 
And  laid  upon  his  lofty  funeral  pile. 
Aim  now  at  Menelaus  the  renowned 
An  arrow,  while  thou  offerest  a  vow  125 

To  Lycian  Phoebus,  mighty  with  the  bow, 
That  thou  wilt  bring  to  him  a  hecatomb 
Of  firstling  lambs,  when  thou  again  shalt  come 
Within  thine  own  Zeleia's  sacred  walls." 

So  spake  Minerva,  and  her  words  o'ercame       w 
The  weak  one's  purpose.     He  uncovered  straight 
His  polished  bow,  made  of  the  elastic  horns 
Of  a  wild  goat,  which,  from  his  lurking-place, 
As  once  it  left  its  cavern  lair,  he  smote, 
And  pierced  its  breast,  and  stretched  it  on  the  rock. 
Full  sixteen  palms  in  length  the  horns  had  grown  *# 
From  the  goat's  forehead.     These  an  artisan 
Had  smoothed,  and,  aptly  fitting  each  to  each, 
Polished  the  whole  and  tipped  the  work  with  gold. 
To  bend  that  bow,  the  warrior  lowered  it  MO 

And  pressed  an  end  against  the  earth.     His  friends 


92  The  Iliad. 

Held  up,  meanwhile,  their  shields  before  his  face, 

Lest  the  brave  sons  of  Greece  should  lift  their  spears 

Against  him  ere  the  champion  of  their  host, 

The  warlike  Menelaus,  should  have  felt  145 

The  arrow.     Then  the  Lycian  drew  aside 

The  cover  from  his  quiver,  taking  out 

A  well-fledged  arrow  that  had  never  flown,  — 

A  cause  of  future  sorrows.     On  the  string 

He  laid  that  fatal  arrow,  while  he  made  '30 

To  Lycian  Phoebus,  mighty  with  the  bow, 

A  vow  to  sacrifice  before  his  shrine 

A  noble  hecatomb  of  firstling  lambs 

When  he  should  come  again  to  his  abode 

Within  his  own  Zeleia's  sacred  walls.  153 

Grasping  the  bowstring  and  the  arrow's  notch, 

He  drew  them  back,  and  forced  the  string  to  meet 

His  breast,  the  arrow-head  to  meet  the  bow, 

Till  the  bow  formed  a  circle.     Then  it  twanged. 

The  cord  gave  out  a  shrilly  sound  ;  the  shaft        IG° 

Leaped  forth  in  eager  haste  to  reach  the  host. 

Yet,  Menelaus,  then  the  blessed  gods, 
The  deathless  ones,  forgot  thee  not  ;  and  first, 
Jove's  daughter,  gatherer  of  spoil,  who  stood 
Before  thee,  turned  aside  the  deadly  shaft.  K>S 

As  when  a  mother,  while  her  child  is  wrapped 
In  a  sweet  slumber,  scares  away  the  fly, 
So  Pallas  turned  the  weapon  from  thy  breast, 
And  guided  it  to  where  the  golden  clasps 
Made  fast  the  belt,  and  where  the  corselet's  mail -7° 


Book  IV.  93 

Was  doubled.     There  the  bitter  arrow  struck 
The  belt,  and  through  its  close  contexture  passed, 
And  fixed  within  the  well-wrought  corselet  stood, 
Yet  reached  the  plated  quilt  which  next  his  skin 
The  hero  wore,  —  his  surest  guard  against  *r-> 

The    weapon's    force,  —  and   broke    through    that 

alike  ; 

And  there  the  arrow  gashed  the  part  below, 
And  the  dark  blood  came  gushing  from  the  wound. 
As  when  some  Carian  or  Maeonian  dame 
Tinges  with  purple  the  white  ivory,  180 

To  form  a  trapping  for  the  cheeks  of  steeds,  — 
And  many  a  horseman  covets  it,  yet  still 
It  lies  within  her  chamber,  to  become 
The  onarment  of  some  great  monarch's  steed 
And  make  its  rider  proud,  —  thy  shapely  thighs,  is5 
Thy  legs,  and  thy  fair  ankles  thus  were  stained, 
O  Menelaus  !  with  thy  purple  blood. 

When  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,  beheld 
The  dark  blood  flowing  from  his  brother's  wound, 
He  shuddered.     Menelaus,  great  in  war,  19° 

Felt  the  like  horror  ;  yet,  when  he  perceived 
That  still  the  arrow,  neck  and  barb,  remained 
Without  the  mail,  the  courage  rose  again 
That  filled  his  bosom.      Agamemnon,  then, 
The  monarch,  sighing  deeply,  took  the  hand         191 
Of  Menelaus,  —  while  his  comrades  round 
Like  him  lamented,  —  sighing  as  he  spake  :  — 

"  Dear  brother,  when  I  sent  thee  forth  alone 


94  'I'/M  Iliad. 

To  combat  with  the  Trojans  for  the  Greeks, 

I  ratified  a  treaty  for  thy  death,  —  ™ 

Since  now  the  Trojans  smite  and  under  foot 

Trample  the  league.     Yet  not  in  vain  shall  be 

The  treaty,  nor  the  blood  of  lambs,  nor  wine 

Poured  to  the  gods,  nor  right  hands  firmly  pledged  ; 

For  though  it  please  not  now  Olympian  Jove        205 

To  make  the  treaty  good,  he  will  in  time 

Cause  it  to  be  fulfilled,  and  they  shall  pay 

Dearly  with  their  own  heads  and  with  their  wives 

And  children  for  this  wrong.     And  this  I  know 

In  my  undoubting  mind,  —  a  day  will  come  ?™ 

When  sacred  Troy  and  Priam  and  the  race 

Governed  by  Priam,  mighty  with  the  spear, 

Shall  perish  all.     Saturnian  Jove,  who  sits 

On  high,  a  dweller  of  the  upper  air, 

Shall  shake  his  dreadful  aegis  in  the  sight  215 

Of  all,  indignant  at  this  treachery. 

Such  the  event  will  be  ;  but  I  shall  grieve 

Bitterly,  Menelaus,  if  thou  die, 

Thy  term  of  life  cut  short.      I  shall  go  back 

To  my  dear  Argos  with  a  brand  of  shame 

Upon  me.     For  the  Greeks  will  soon  again 

Rethink  them  of  their  country  ;  we  shall  then 

Leave  Argive  Helen  to  remain  the  boast 

Of  Priam  and  the  Trojans,  —  while  thy  bones 

Shall  moulder,  mingling  with  the  earth  of  Troy,  —  «, 

Our  great  design  abandoned.     Then  shall  say 

Some  haughty  Trojan,  leaping  on  the  tomb 


Book  IT.  95 

Of  Menelaus  :  '  So  in  time  to  come 

May  Agamemnon  wreak  his  wrath,  as  here 

He  wreaked  it,  whither  he  had  vainly  led  ,• 

An  army,  and  now  hastens  to  his  home 

And  his  own  land,  with  ships  that  bear  no  spoil, 

And  the  brave  Menelaus  left  behind.' 

So  shall  some  Trojan  say  ;  but,  ere  that  time, 

May  the  earth  open  to  receive  my  bones  !  "  =35 

The  fair-haired  Menelaus  cheerfully 
Replied  :  "  Grieve  not,  nor  be  the  Greeks  alarmed 
For  me,  since  this  sharp  arrow  has  not  found 
A  vital  part,  but,  ere  it  reached  so  far, 
The  embroidered  belt,  the  quilt  beneath,  and  plate  240 
Wrought  by  the  armorer's  cunning,  broke  its  force." 

King  Agamemnon  took  the  word  and  said  :  — 
"  Dear  Menelaus  !   would  that  it  were  so, 
Yet  the  physician  must  explore  thy  wound, 
And  with  his  balsams  soothe  the  bitter  pain."        245 
Then  turning  to  Talthybius,  he  addressed 
The  sacred  herald  :  "  Hasten  with  all  speed, 
Talthybius  ;  call  Machaon,  warrior-son 
Of  yEsculapius,  that  much-honored  leech, 
And  bring  him  to  the  Achaian  general,  *y 

The  warlike  Menelaus,  whom  some  hand 
Of  Trojan  or  of  Lycian,  skilled  to  bend 
The  bow,  hath  wounded  with  his  shaft,  —  a  deed 
For  him  to  exult  in,  but  a  grief  to  us." 

He  spake  ;  nor  failed  the  herald  to  obey,  355 

But  hastened  at  the  word  and  passed  among 


96  The  Iliad. 

The  squadrons  of  Achaia,  mailed  in  brass, 
In  search  of  great  Machaon.     Him  he  found 
As  midst  the  valiant  ranks  of  bucklered  men 
He  stood,  —  the  troops  who  followed  him  to  war  -^ 
From  Triccae,  nurse  of  steeds.    Then,  drawing  near 
The  herald  spake  to  him  in  winged  words  :  — 

"  O  son  of  ^Esculapius,  come  in  haste. 
King  Agamemnon  calls  thee  to  the  aid 
Of  warlike  Menelaus,  whom  some  hand 
Of  Trojan  or  of  Lycian,  skilled  to  bend 
The  bow,  hath  wounded  with  his  shaft,  —  a  deed 
For  him  to  exult  in,  but  a  grief  to  us." 

Machaon's  heart  was  touched,  and  forth  they  went 
Through  the  great  throng,  the  army  of  the  Greeks.  270 
And  when  they  came  where  Atreus'  warlike  son 
Was  wounded,  they  perceived  the  godlike  man 
Standing  amid  a  circle  of  the  chiefs, 
The  bravest  of  the  Achaians,  who  at  once 
Had  gathered  round.     Without  delay  he  drew       =75 
The  arrow  from  the  fairly-fitted  belt. 
The  barbs  were  bent  in  drawing.     Then  he  loosed 
The  embroidered  belt,  the  quilted  vest  beneath, 
And  plate,  —  the  armorer's  work,  —  and  carefully 
O'erlooked  the  wound  where  fell  the  bitter  shaft,  280 
Cleansed  it  from  blood,  and  sprinkled  over  it 
With  skill  the  soothing  balsams  which  of  yore 
The  friendly  Chiron  to  his  father  gave. 

While  round  the  warlike  Menelaus  thus 
The  chiefs  were  busy,  all  the  Trojans  moved         ^ 


Book  IV.  97 

Into  array  of  battle  ;  they  put  on 

Their  armor,  and  were  eager  for  the  fight. 

Then  wouldst  thou  not  have  seen,  hadst  thou  been 

there, 

King  Agamemnon  slumbering,  or  in  fear, 
And  skulking  from  the  combat,  but  alert,  *y> 

Preparing  for  the  glorious  tasks  of  war. 
His  horses,  and  his  chariot  bright  with  brass, 
He  left,  and  bade  Eurymedon,  his  groom, 
The  son  of  Ptolemy  Piraides, 

Hold  them  apart  still  panting,  yet  with  charge      29? 
To  keep  them  near  their  master,  till  the  hour 
When  he  should  need  them,  weary  with  the  toil 
Of  such  a  vast  command.     Meantime  he  went 
On  foot  among  his  files  of  soldiery, 
And  whomsoe'er  he  found  with  fiery  steeds  3°« 

Hasting  to  battle,  thus  he  cheered  them  on  :  — 

"  O  Argives  !  let  not  your  hot  courage  cool, 
For  Father  Jove  will  never  take  the  part 
Of  treachery.      Whosoe'er  have  been  the  first 
To  break  the  league,  upon  their  lifeless  limbs        303 
Shall  vultures  feast ;  and  doubt  not  we  shall  bear 
Away  in  our  good  ships  the  wives  they  love 
And  their  young  children,  when  we  take  their  town." 

But  whomsoe'er  he  saw  that  kept  afar 
From  the  dread  field,  he  angrily  rebuked  :  —         310 

"  O  Argives  !  who  with  arrows  only  fight, 
Base  as  ye  are,  have  ye  no  sense  of  shame  ? 
Why  stand  ye  stupefied,  like  fawns,  that,  tired 

VOL.  i.  5  G 


98  The  Iliad. 

With  coursing  the  wide  pastures,  stop  at  last. 

Their  strength  exhausted  !    Thus  ye  stand  amazed, 

Nor  think  of  combat.     Wait  ye  for  the  hour          y<> 

When  to  your  ships,  with  their  fair-sculptured  prows, 

Moored  on  the  borders  of  the  hoary  deep, 

The  Trojans  come,  that  haply  ye  may  see 

If  the  great  hand  of  Jove  will  shield  you  then  ?  "  v° 

Thus  Agamemnon,  as  supreme  in  power, 
Threaded  the  warrior-files,  until  he  came 
Where  stood  the  Cretans.     All  in  arms  they  stood 
Around  Idomeneus,  the  great  in  war. 
Like  a  wild  boar  in  strength,  he  led  the  van,         325 
And,  in  the  rear,  Meriones  urged  on 
His  phalanxes.     The  king  of  men  rejoiced, 
And  blandly  thus  bespake  Idomeneus  :  — 

"  Idomeneus  !  I  honor  thee  above 
The  other  knights  of  Greece,  as  well  in  war  330 

As  in  all  other  labors,  and  no  less 
In  banquets,  when  the  Achaian  nobles  charge 
Their  goblets  with  the  dark-red  mingled  wine 
In  sign  of  honor.     All  the  other  Greeks 
Drink  by  a  certain  measure,  but  thy  cup  335 

Stands  ever  full,  like  mine,  that  thou  mayst  drink 
When  thou  desirest.     Hasten  to  the  war 
With  all  the  valor  thou  dost  glory  in." 

The  Cretan  chief,  Idomeneus,  replied  :  — 
"  Atrides,  I  remain  thy  true  ally,  340 

As  I  have  pledged  my  faith.     But  thou  exhort 
The  other  long-haired  Greeks,  and  bid  them  rush 


Book  IV.  99 

To  combat,  since  the  Trojans  break  their  oath. 

For  woe  and  death  must  be  the  lot  of  those 

Who  broke  the  peace  they  vowed  so  solemnly."    345 

He  spake.     The  son  of  Atreus,  glad  at  heart, 
Passed  on  among  the  squadrons,  til!  he  came 
To  where  the  warriors  Ajax  formed  their  ranks 
For  battle,  with  a  cloud  of  infantry. 
As  when  some  goatherd  from  the  hill-top  sees       350 
A  cloud  that  traverses  the  deep  before 
A  strong  west  wind,  —  beholding  it  afar, 
Pitch-black  it  seems,  and  bringing  o'er  the  waves 
A  whirlwind  with  it  ;  he  is  seized  with  fear, 
And  drives  his  flock  to  shelter  in  a  cave,  —  355 

So  with  the  warriors  Ajax  to  the  war 
Moved,  dense  and  dark,  the  phalanxes  of  youths 
Trained  for  the  combat,  and  their  serried  files 
Bristling  with  spears  and  shields.    The  king  of  men 
Saw  with  delight,  and  spake  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  O  warriors  Ajax,  leaders  of  the  Greeks  & 

In  brazen  armor,  I  enjoin  you  not 
To  rouse  the  courage  of  your  soldiery. 
Such  word  would  ill  become  me,  for  yourselves 
Have  made  your  followers  eager  to  engage  365 

In  manful  combat.     Would  to  Jupiter, 
To  Pallas,  and  Apollo,  that  there  dwelt 
In  every  bosom  such  a  soul  as  yours  ! 
Then  would  the  city  of  King  Priam  fall 
At  once,  o'erthrown  and  levelled  by  our  hands."   3  o 

Thus  having  said,  he  left  them  and  went  on 


loo  The 

To  others.     There  he  found  the  smooth  of  speech, 

Nestor,  the  Pylian  orator,  employed 

In  marshalling  his  squadrons.     Near  to  him 

Alastor  and  the  large-limbed  Pelagon,  375 

Chromius,  and  Hacmon,  prince  among  his  tribe, 

And  Bias,  shepherd  of  the  people,  stood. 

The  cavalry  with  steeds  and  cars  he  placed 

In  front.     A  vast  and  valiant  multitude 

Of  infantry  he  stationed  in  the  rear,  3& 

To  be  the  bulwark  of  the  war.     Between 

He  made  the  faint  of  spirit  take  their  place, 

That,  though  unwillingly,  they  might  be  forced 

To  combat  with  the  rest.     And  first  he  gave 

His  orders  to  the  horsemen,  bidding  them  vs 

To  keep  their  coursers  reined,  nor  let  them  range 

At  random  through  the  tumult  of  the  crowd  :  — 

"  And  let  no  man,  too  vain  of  horsemanship, 
And  trusting  in  his  valor,  dare  advance 
Beyond  the  rest  to  attack  the  men  of  Troy,  390 

Nor  let  him  fall  behind  the  rest,  to  make 
Our  ranks  the  weaker.     Whoso  from  his  car 
Can  reach  an  enemy's,  let  him  stand  and  strike 
With  his  long  spear,  for  't  is  the  shrewder  way. 
By  rules  like  these,  which  their  brave  hearts  obeyed, 
The  men  of  yore  laid  level  towns  and  towers."     ?•# 

The  aged  man,  long  versed  in  tasks  of  war, 
Counselled  them  thus.      King  Agamemnon  heard, 
Delighted,  and  in  winged  words  he  said  : 

"  O  aged  man,  would  that  thy  knees  were  firm  ^ 


Book  IV.  10 1 

As  is  thy  purpose,  and  thy  strength  as  great ! 
But  age,  the  common  fate  of  all,  has  worn 
Thy  frame  :  would  that  some  others  had  thy  age, 
And  thou  wert  of  the  number  of  our  youths  !  " 

Then  answered  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight :  — 
"  O  son  of  Atreus,  I  myself  could  wish  406 

That  I  were  now  as  when  of  yore  I  struck 
The  high-born  Ereuthalion  down.     The  gods 
Bestow  not  all  their  gifts  on  man  at  once. 
If  I  were  then  a  youth,  old  age  in  turn  410 

Is  creeping  o'er  me.     Still  I  keep  among 
The  knights,  and  counsel  and  admonish  them,  — 
The  office  of  the  aged.     Younger  men, 
They  who  can  trust  their  strength,  must  wield  the 
spear." 

He  spake.  The  son  of  Atreus  passed  him  by,  415 
Pleased  with  his  words,  and,  moving  onward,  came 
Where  —  with  the  Athenians,  ever  prompt  to  raise 
The  war-cry,  grouped  around  him  —  stood  the 

knight 

Menestheus,  son  of  Peteus.     Near  to  these 
Was  wise  Ulysses,  with  his  sturdy  band  4=0 

Of  Cephalonians.     None  of  these  had  heard 
The  clamor  of  the  battle,  for  the  hosts 
Of  Trojan  knights  and  Greeks  had  just  begun 
To  move,  and  there  they  waited  for  the  advance 
Of  other  squadrons  marching  on  to  charge  & 

The  Trojans  and  begin  the  war  anew. 
The  king  of  men,  Atrides,  was  displeased, 


102  The  Iliad. 

And  spake,  and  chid  them  thus  with  winged  words : — 

"  O  son  of  Peteus,  foster-child  of  Jove, 
And  thou,  the  man  of  craft  and  evil  wiles  !  43° 

Why  stand  ye  here  aloof,  irresolute, 
And  wait  for  others  ?     Ye  should  be  the  first 
To  meet  the  foe  and  stem  the  battle's  rage. 
I  bid  you  first  to  banquets  which  the  Greeks 
Give  to  their  leaders,  where  ye  feast  at  will  w- 

On  roasted  meats  and  bow]s  of  pleasant  wine. 
Now,  ere  ye  move,  ye  willingly  would  see 
Ten  Grecian  squadrons  join  the  deadly  strife." 

The  man  of  many  arts,  Ulysses,  spake, 
And  frowned  :  "  O  Atreus'  son !  what  words  are  these 
Which  pass  thy  lips  ?     How  canst  thou  say  that  we 
Avoid  the  battle  ?     Ever  when  the  Greeks 
Seek  bloody  conflict  with  the  Trojan  knights, 
Thou,  if  thou  wilt,  and  if  thou  givest  heed 
To  things  like  these,  shalt  with  thine  eyes  behold  445 
The  father  of  Telemachus  engaged 
In  combat  with  the  foremost  knights  that  form 
The  Trojan  van.     Thou  utterest  empty  words." 

King  Agamemnon,  when  he  saw  the  chief 
Offended,  changed  his  tone,  and,  smiling,  said  :  —  45* 

"  Son  of  Laertes,  nobly-born  and  wise 
Ulysses !     It  is  not  for  me  to  chide 
Nor  to  exhort  thee,  for  thy  heart,  I  know, 
Counsels  thee  kindly  toward  me,  and  thy  thought 
Agrees  with  mine.     We  will  discuss  all  this 
Hereafter.     If  just  now  too  harsh  a  word 


Book  IV.  103 

Was  uttered,  may  the  immortals  make  it  vain  !  " 

So  saying,  he  departed,  and  went  on 
To  others.     By  his  steeds  and  by  his  car, 
That  shone  with  fastenings  of  brass,  he  found        *° 
The  son  of  Tydeus,  large-souled  Diomed, 
And  Sthenelus,  the  son  of  Capaneus, 
Standing  beside  him.     Looking  at  them  both, 
King  Agamemnon  to  Tydides  spake 
In  winged  words,  and  thus  reproved  the  chief: — -r-s 

"  ()  son  of  Tydeus,  that  undaunted  knight ! 
What  is  there  to  appall  thee  ?     Why  look  through 
Tne  spaces  that  divide  the  warlike  ranks  ? 
Not  thus  did  Tydeus  feel  the  touch  of  fear, 
But  ever  foremost  of  his  warriors  fought.  4,0 

So  they  declare  who  saw  his  deeds,  for  I 
Was  never  with  him,  nor  have  ever  seen 
The  hero.     Yet  they  say  that  he  excelled 
All  others.     Certain  is  it  that  he  once 
Entered  Mycenae  as  a  friendly  guest,  m 

With  no  array  of  soldiery,  but  came 
With  godlike  Polynices.     T  was  the  time 
When  warrior-bands  were  gathered  to  besiege 
The  sacred  walls  of  Thebes,  and  earnestly 
They  prayed  that  from  Mycenae  they  might  lead   4*> 
Renowned  auxiliars  to  the  war,  and  we 
Would  willingly  have  given  the  aid  they  asked,  - 
For  we  approved  the  prayer,  —  but  Jove,  with  signs 
Of  angry  omen,  changed  our  purposes. 
The  chiefs  departed,  journeying  on  to  where          485 


1O4  J  h<-'  Iliad. 

Asopus  flows  through  reeds  and  grass,  and  thence 

The  Achaians  sent  an  embassy  to  Thebes 

By  Tydeus.     There  he  met  the  many  sons 

Of  Cadmus  at  the  banquets  in  the  hall 

Of  valiant  Eteocles.     Though  alone 

Among  so  many,  and  a  stranger-guest, 

The  hero  feared  them  not,  but  challenged  them 

To  vie  with  him  in  games  ;  and  easily 

He  won  the  victory,  such  aid  was  given 

By  Pallas.     Then  the  sons  of  Cadmus,  skilled       » 

In  horsemanship,  were  wroth,  and  privily 

Sent  fifty  armed  youths  to  lie  in  wait 

For  his  return.     Two  leaders  had  the  band,  — 

Maion,  the  son  of  Hoemon,  like  a  god 

In  form,  and  Lycophontes,  brave  in  war, 

Son  of  Autophonos.     A  bloody  death 

Did  Tydeus  give  the  youths.     He  slew  them  all 

Save  Maion,  whom  he  suffered  to  return, 

Obedient  to  an  omen  from  the  gods. 

Such  was  ^Etolian  Tydeus  ;  but  his  son,  & 

A  better  speaker,  is  less  brave  in  war." 

He  spake  ;  and  valiant  Diomed,  who  heard 
The  king's  reproof  with  reverence,  answered  not. 
Then  spake  the  son  of  honored  Capaneus  :  — 

"  Atrides,  speak  not  falsely,  when  thou  know'st  s«< 
The  truth  so  well.     Assuredly  we  claim 
To  be  far  braver  than  our  fathers  were. 
We  took  seven-gated  Thebes  with  fewer  troops 
Than  theirs,  when,  trusting  in  the  omens  sent 


Book  IV.  105 

From  heaven,  and  in  the  aid  of  Jupiter,  515 

We  led  our  men  beneath  the  city  walls 
Sacred  to  Mars.     Our  fathers  perished  there 
Through  their  own  folly.     Therefore  never  seek 
To  place  them  in  the  same  degree  with  us." 

The  brave  Tydides  with  a  frown  replied  :  — 
"  Nay,  hold  thy  peace,  my  friend,  and  heed  my  words. 
Of  Agamemnon  I  will  not  complain,  — 
The  shepherd  of  the  people  ;  it  is  his 
To  exhort  the  well-armed  Greeks  to  gallant  deeds. 
Great  glory  will  attend  him  if  the  Greeks 
Shall  overcome  the  Trojans,  and  shall  take 
The  sacred  Ilium  ;  but  his  grief  will  be 
Bitter  if  we  shall  fail  and  be  destroyed. 
Hence  think  we  only  of  the  furious  charge  ! " 

He  spake,  and  from  his  chariot  leaped  to  earth  sv 
All  armed  ;  the  mail  upon  the  monarch's  breast 
Rang  terribly  as  he  marched  swiftly  on. 
The  boldest  might  have  heard  that  sound  with  fear. 

As  when  the  ocean-billows,  surge  on  surge, 
Are  pushed  along  to  the  resounding  shore  535 

Before  the  western  wind,  and  first  a  wave 
Uplifts  itself,  and  then  against  the  land 
Dashes  and  roars,  and  round  the  headland  peaks 
Tosses  on  high  and  spouts  its  spray  afar, 
So  moved  the  serried  phalanxes  of  Greece  54° 

To  battle,  rank  succeeding  rank,  each  chief 
Giving  command  to  his  own  troops  ;  the  rest 
Marched  noiselessly  :    you  might  have  thought  no 
voice 


106  The  Iliad. 

Was  in  the  breasts  of  all  that  mighty  throng, 

So  silently  they  all  obeyed  their  chiefs,  545 

Their  showy  armor  glittering  as  they  moved 

In  firm  array.     But,  as  the  numerous  flock 

Of  some  rich  man,  while  the  white  milk  is  drawn 

Within  his  sheepfold,  hear  the  plaintive  call 

Of  their  own  lambs,  and  bleat  incessantly,  —        5So 

Such  clamors  from  the  mighty  Trojan  host 

Arose  ;  nor  was  the  war-cry  one,  nor  one 

The  voice,  but  words  of  mingled  languages, 

For  they  were  called  from  many  different  climes. 

These  Mars  encouraged  to  the  fight ;  but  those    555 

The  blue-eyed  Pallas.     Terror  too  was  there, 

And  Fright,  and  Strife  that  rages  unappeased,  — 

Sister  and  comrade  of  man-slaying  Mars,  — 

Who  rises  small  at  first,  but  grows,  and  lifts 

Her  head  to  heaven  and  walks  upon  the  earth.     560 

She,  striding  through  the  crowd  and  heightening 

The  mutual  rancor,  flung  into  the  midst 

Contention,  source  of  bale  to  all  alike. 

And  now,  when  met  the  armies  in  the  field, 
The  ox-hide  shields  encountered,  and  the  spears,  565 
And  might  of  warriors  mailed  in  brass  ;  then  clashed 
The  bossy  bucklers,  and  the  battle-din 
Was  loud  ;  then  rose  the  mingled  shouts  and  groans 
Of  those  who  slew  and  those  who  fell ;  the  earth 
Ran  with  their  blood.     As  when  the  winter  streams 
Rush  down  the  mountain-sides,  and  fill,  below,      s/« 
With  their  swift  waters,  poured  from  gushing  springs, 


Book  IV.  107 

Some  hollow  vale,  the  shepherd  on  the  heights 
Hears  the  far  roar,  —  such  was  the  mingled  din 
That  rose  from  the  great  armies  when  they  met.    sr; 

Then  first  Antilochus,  advancing,  struck 
The  Trojan  champion  Echepolus  down, 
Son  of  Thalysius,  fighting  in  the  van. 
He  smote  him  on  the  helmet's  cone,  where  streamed 
The  horse-hair  plume.     The  brazen  javelin  stood  &> 
Fixed  in  his  forehead,  piercing  through  the  bone, 
And  darkness  gathered  o'er  his  eyes.     He  fell 
As  falls  a  tower  before  some  stubborn  siege. 
Then  Elephenor,  son  of  Chalcodon, 
Prince  of  the  brave  Abrantes,  by  the  foot  &? 

Seized  the  slain  chieftain,  dragging  him  beyond 
The  reach  of  darts,  to  strip  him  of  his  arms  ; 
Yet  dropped  him  soon,  for  brave  Agenor  saw, 
And,  as  he  stooped  to  drag  the  body,  hurled 
His  brazen  spear  and  pierced  the  uncovered  side  590 
Seen  underneath  the  shield.     At  once  his  limbs 
Relaxed  their  hold,  and  straight  the  spirit  fled. 
Then  furious  was  the  struggle  of  the  Greeks 
And  Trojans  o'er  the  slain  ;  they  sprang  like  wolves 
Upon  each  other,  and  man  slaughtered  man.         595 

Then  by  the  hand  of  Ajax  Telamon 
Fell  Simoisius,  in  the  bloom  of  youth, 
Anthemion's  son.     His  mother  once  came  down 
From  Ida,  with  her  parents,  to  their  flocks 
Beside  the  Simoi's ;  there  she  brought  him  forth    &» 
Upon  its  banks,  and  gave  her  boy  the  name 


IO8  The  Iliad. 

Of  Simoisius.     Unrequited  now 

Was  all  the  care  with  which  his  parents  nursed 

His  early  years,  and  short  his  term  of  life,  — 

Slain  by  the  hand  of  Ajax,  large  of  soul. 

For,  when  he  saw  him  coming,  Ajax  smote 

Near  the  right  pap  the  Trojan's  breast ;  the  blade 

Passed  through,  and  out  upon  the  further  side. 

He  fell  among  the  dust  of  earth,  as  falls 

A  poplar  growing  in  the  watery  soil  6.0 

Of  some  wide  marsh,  —  a  fair,  smooth  bole,  with 

boughs 

Only  on  high,  which  with  his  gleaming  axe 
Some  artisan  has  felled  to  bend  its  trunk 
Into  the  circle  of  some  chariot-wheel ; 
Withering  it  lies  upon  the  river's  bank.  6i5 

So  did  the  high-born  Ajax  spoil  the  corpse 
Of  Simoisius,  Anthemion's  son. 
But  Antiphus,  the  son  of  Priam,  clad 
In  shining  armor,  saw,  and,  taking  aim, 
Cast  his  sharp  spear  at  Ajax  through  the  crowd.  <™ 
The  weapon  struck  him  not,  but  pierced  the  groin 
Of  one  who  was  Ulysses'  faithful  friend, — 
Leucus,  —  as  from  the  spot  he  dragged  the  dead  : 
He  fell,  the  body  dropping  from  his  hold. 
Ulysses,  stung  with  fury  at  his  fall, 
Rushed  to  the  van,  arrayed  in  shining  brass, 
Drew  near  the  foe,  and,  casting  a  quick  glance 
Around  him,  hurled  his  glittering  spear.     The  host 
Of  Trojans,  as  it  left  his  hand,  shrank  back 


Book  IV.  109 

Upon  each  other.     Not  in  vain  it  flew,  <w 

But  struck  Democoon,  the  spurious  son 
Of  Priam,  who,  to  join  the  war,  had  left 
Abyclos,  where  he  tended  the  swift  mares. 
Ulysses,  to  revenge  his  comrade's  death, 
Smote  him  upon  the  temple  with  his  spear.  &15 

Through  both  the  temples  passed  the  brazen  point, 
And  darkness  gathered  o'er  his  eyes  ;  he  fell, 
His  armor  clashing  round  him  with  his  fall. 
Then  did  the  foremost  bands,  and  Hector's  self, 
Fall  back.     The  Argives  shouted,  dragging  off     ^ 
The  slain,  and  rushing  to  the  ground  they  won. 
Then  was  Apollo  angered,  looking  down 
From  Pergamus,  and  thus  he  called  aloud  :  — 

"  Rally,  ye  Trojans  !  tamers  of  fleet  steeds! 
Yield  not  the  battle  to  the  Greeks.     Their  limbs  645 
Are  not  of  stone  or  iron,  to  withstand 
The  trenchant  steel  ye  wield.     Nor  does  the  son 
Of  fair-haired  Thetis  now,  Achilles,  take 
Part  in  the  battle,  but  sits,  brooding  o'er 
The  choler  that  devours  him,  in  his  ships." 

Thus  from  the  city  spake  the  terrible  god. 
Meantime  Tritonian  Pallas,  glorious  child 
Of  Jupiter,  went  through  the  Grecian  ranks 
Where'er  they  wavered,  and  revived  their  zeal. 

Diores,  son  of  Amarynceus,  then  652 

Met  his  hard  fate.     The  fragment  of  a  rock 
Was  thrown  by  hand  at  his  right  leg,  and  struck 
The  ankle.     Piroiis,  son  of  Imbrasus, 


no  The  Iliad. 

Who  came  from  yEnus,  leading  to  the  war 

His  Thracian  soldiers,  flung  it  ;  and  it  crushed     <*i 

Tendons  and  bones,  and  down  the  warrior  fell 

In  dust,  and  toward  his  comrades  stretched  his  hands, 

And  gasped  for  breath.    But  he  who  gave  the  wound, 

Prroiis,  came  up  and  pierced  him  with  his  spear. 

Forth  gushed  the  entrails,  and  the  eyes  grew  dark.  «s 

But  Piroiis  by  yEtolian  Thoas  fell, 
Who  met  him  with  his  spear  and  pierced  his  breast 
Above  the  pap.     The  brazen  weapon  stood 
Fixed  in  the  lungs.    Then  Thoas  came  and  plucked 
The  massive  spear  away,  and  drew  his  sword,        67a 
And  thrusting  through  him  the  sharp  blade,  he  took 
His  life  away.     Yet  could  he  not  despoil 
The  slain  man  of  his  armor,  for  around 
His  comrades  thronged,  the  Thracians,  with  their 

tufts 

Of  streaming  hair,  and,  wielding  their  long  spears,  6;5 
Drove  him  away.     And  he,  though  huge  of  limb, 
And  valiant  and  renowned,  was  forced  to  yield 
To  numbers  pressing  on  him,  and  withdrew. 
Thus  near  each  other  stretched  upon  the  ground 
Piroiis,  the  leader  of  the  Thracian  band,  ^ 

And  he  who  led  the  Epeans,  brazen-mailed 
Diores,  lay  with  many  others  slain. 

Then  could  no  man,  who  near  at  hand  beheld 
The  battle  of  that  day,  see  cause  of  blame 
In  aught,  although,  un wounded  and  unbruised      «-; 
By  weapons,  Pallas  led  him  by  the  hand 


Book   V.  in 

In  safety  through  the  midst,  and  turned  aside 
The  violence  of  javelins  ;  for  that  day 
Saw  many  a  Trojan  slain,  and  many  a  Greek, 
Stretched  side  by  side  upon  the  bloody  field.         sou 


BOOK    V. 

Pallas  to  Tydides  Diomed 
-L      Gave  strength  and  courage,  that  he  might 

appear 

Among  the  Achaians  greatly  eminent, 
And  win  a  glorious  name.     Upon  his  head 
And  shield  she  caused  a  constant  flame  to  play,     s 
Like  to  the  autumnal  star  that  shines  in  heaven 
Most  brightly  when  new-bathed  in  ocean  tides. 
Such  light  she  caused  to  beam  upon  his  crest 
And  shoulders,  as  she  sent  the  warrior  forth" 
Into  the  thick  and  tumult  of  the  fight.  ™ 

Among  the  Trojans,  Dares  was  the  priest 
Of  Vulcan,  rich  and  blameless.     His  two  sons 
Were  Phegeus  and  Idaeus,  trained  in  all 
The  arts  of  war.     They  left  the  host  and  came 
To  meet  Tydides,  —  on  the  chariot  they,  15 

And  he  on  foot ;  and  now,  as  they  drew  near, 
First  Phegeus  hurled  his  massive  lance.     It  flew 
O'er  Diomed's  left  shoulder  and  struck  not. 
Tydides  cast  his  spear,  and  not  in  vain  ; 


1 1 2  The  Iliad. 

It  smote  the  breast  of  Phegeus  in  the  midst,  * 

And  dashed  him  from  his  seat.     Idaeus  leaped 

To  earth,  and  left  the  sumptuous  car,  nor  dared 

To  guard  the  slain,  yet  would  have  met  his  death 

If  Vulcan  had  not  borne  him  swiftly  thence 

Concealed  in  darkness,  that  he  might  "not  leave      -•: 

The  aged  man,  his  father,  desolate. 

The  son  of  Tydeus  took  the  steeds,  and  bade 

His  comrades  lead  them  to  the  fleet.     Aghast 

The  valiant  sons  of  Troy  beheld  the  sons 

Of  Dares,  one  in  flight,  the  other  slain.  y 

Meantime  the  blue-eyed  Pallas  took  the  hand 
Of  Mars,  and  thus  addressed  the  fiery  god  :  — 

"  Mars,  Mars,  thou  slayer  of  men,  thou  steeped 

in  blood, 

Destroyer  of  walled  cities  !  should  we  not 
Leave  both  the  Greeks  and  Trojans  to  contend,    35 
And  Jove  to  crown  with  glory  whom  he  will, 
While' we  retire,  lest  we  provoke  his  wrath?" 

Thus  having  said,  she  led  the  violent  Mars 
From  where  the  battle  raged,  and  made  him  sit 
Beside  Scamander,  on  its  grassy  bank.  40 

And  then  the  Achaians  put  the  sons  of  Troy 
To  flight :  each  leader  slew  a  foe  ;  and  first 
The  king  of  men,  Atrides,  from  his  car 
Struck  down  the  huge-limbed  Hoclius,  who  was  chief 
Among  the  Halizonians.     As  he  turned  45 

To  flee,  the  Achaian,  smiting  him  between 
The  shoulders,  drove  the  javelin  through  his  breast. 


Book   V.  113 

Heavily  clashed  his  armor  as  he  fell. 

Then  by  Idomeneus  was  Phaestus  slain, 
Son  of  Meonian  Borus,  who  had  come 
From  Tarna,  rich  in  harvests.     As  he  sprang 
Into  his  car,  Idomeneus,  expert 
To  wield  the  ponderous  javelin,  thrust  its  blade 
Through  his  right  shoulder.      From  the  car  he  fell, 
And  the  dark  night  of  death  came  over  him.  55 

The  Achaian  warriors  following  spoiled  the  slain. 

The  son  of  Atreus,  Menelaus,  slew 
With  his  sharp  spear  Scamandrius,  the  son 
Of  Strophius,  practised  in  the  forest  chase, 
A  mighty  hunter.     Him  had  Dian  taught  &> 

To  strike  whatever  beast  the  woody  wild 
Breeds  on  the  hills ;  but  now  availed  him  not 
The  favor  of  Diana,  archer-queen, 
Nor  skill  to  throw  the  javelin  afar ; 
For  Menelaus,  mighty  with  the  spear,  6=; 

Followed  him  as  he  fled,  and  in  the  back 
Smote  him,  between  the  shoulder-blades,  and  drave 
The  weapon  through.     He  fell  upon  the  ground 
Headlong,  his  armor  clashing  as  he  fell. 
And  then  Meriones  slew  Phereclus,  70 

Son  of  Harmonius,  the  artificer, 
Who  knew  to  shape  all  works  of  rare  device, 
For  Pallas  loved  him.     It  was  he  who  built 
The  fleet  for  Paris,  —  cause  of  many  woes 
To  all  the  Trojans  and  to  him,  —  for  ill  75 

He  understood  the  oracles  of  heaven. 


1 1 4  TJie  Iliad. 

Him  did  Meriones,  pursuing  long, 
O'ertake,  and,  smiting  him  on  the  right  hip, 
Pierced  through  the  part  beneath  the  bone  and  near 
The  bladder.     On  his  knees  with  sad  lament 
He  fell,  and  death  involved  him  in  its  shade. 

And  then  by  Meges  was  Pedaeus  slain, 
Antenor's  base-born  son,  whose  noble  wife, 
Theano,  reared  him  with  as  fond  a  care 
As  her  own  children,  for  her  husband's  sake. 
And  now  the  mighty  spearman,  Phyleus'  son, 
Drew  near  and  smote  him  with  his  trenchant  lance 
Where  meet  the  head  and  spine,  and  pierced  the  neck 
Beneath  the  tongue  ;  and  forth  the  weapon  came 
Between  the  teeth.     He  fell,  and  in  the  fall 
Gnashed  with  his  teeth  upon  the  cold  bright  blade. 

Then  did  Evsemon's  son  Eurypylus 
Strike  down  Hypsenor,  nobly  born,  the  son 
Of  great  Dolopion,  Scamander's  priest, 
Whom  all  the  people  honored  as  a  god.  95 

Evaemon's  gallant  son,  o'ertaking  him 
In  flight,  with  one  stroke  of  his  falchion  hewed 
His  brawny  arm  away.     The  bloody  limb 
Dropped  to  the  ground,  and  the  dark  night  of  death 
Came  o'er  his  eyes  :  so  cruel  fate  decreed.  i<» 

Thus  toiled  the  heroes  in  that  stubborn  fight. 
Nor  would  you  now  have  known  to  which  array  — 
Trojan  or  Greek  —  Tydides  might  belong; 
For  through  the  field  he  rushed  with  furious  speed, 
Like  a  swollen  river  when  its  current  takes  1°-, 


Book  r.  115 

The  torrent's  swiftness,  scattering  with  a  sweep 
The  bridges  ;  nor  can  massive  dikes  withstand 
Its  fury,  nor  embankments  raised  to  screen 
The  grassy  meadows,  while  the  rains  of  Jove 
Fall  heavily,  and  harvests,  late  the  joy  no 

Of  toiling  youth,  are  beaten  to  the  ground. 
Thus  by  Tydides  the  close  phalanxes 
Of  Troy  were  scattered,  nor  could  they  endure, 
All  numerous  as  they  were,  his  strong  assault. 
As  Pandarus,  Lycaon's  eminent  son,  us 

Beheld  Tydides  rush  athwart  the  field, 
Breaking  the  ranks,  he  drew  his  crooked  bow 
And  smote  the  chief's  left  shoulder  as  he  came, 
Striking  the  hollow  corselet.     The  sharp  point 
Broke  through,  and  blood  came  gushing  o'er  the  mail. 
Then  called  aloud  Lycaon's  eminent  son  : —         ^i 

"  Brave  Trojans,  great  in  mastery  of  steeds, 
Press  on  ;  the  bravest  of  the  Grecian  host 
Is  smitten,  nor,  I  think,  can  long  survive 
The  grievous  wound,  if  it  be  true  that  I,  1*5 

At  the  command  of  Phcebus,  son  of  Jove, 
Have  left  my  home  upon  the  Lycian  shore." 

Thus  boastfully  he  spake  ;  but  his  swift  shaft 
Slew  not  Tydides,  \vho  had  now  withdrawn. 
And,  standing  by  his  steeds  and  chariot,  spake      no 
To  Sthenelus,  the  son  of  Capaneus  :  — 
"  Haste  clown,  kind  Sthenelus,  and  with  thy  hand 
Draw  the  sharp  arrow  from  my  shoulder  here." 

He  spake,  and  Sthenelus  at  once  leaped  down, 


1 1 6  The  Iliad. 

Stood  by  his  side,  and  from  his  shoulder  drew      u.-, 
The  winged  arrow  deeply  fixed  within. 
The  blood  flowed  forth  upon  the  twisted  rings 
Of  mail,  while  Diomed,  the  valiant,  prayed  :  — 

"  Hear  me,  O  child  of  a;gis-bearing  Jove, 
Goddess  invincible  !  if  ever  thou  uo 

Didst  aid  me  or  my  father  in  the  heat 
Of  battle,  aid  me,  Pallas,  yet  again. 
Give  me  to  slay  this  Trojan;  bring  him  near, 
Within  my  javelin's  reach,  who  wounded  me, 
And  now  proclaims  —  the  boaster  —  that  not  long 
Shall  I  behold  the  brightness  of  the  sun."  ^ 

So  prayed  he,  and  Minerva  heard  his  prayer 
And  lightened  all  his  limbs,  —  his  feet,  his  hands,  — 
And,   standing    near    him,    spake    these    winged 
words  :  — 

"  War  boldly  with  the  Trojans,  Diomed  ;  ^ 

For  even  now  I  breathe  into  thy  frame 
The  ancestral  might  and  fearless  soul  that  dwelt 
In  Tydeus,  peerless  with  the  steed  and  shield. 
Lo !  I  remove  the  darkness  from  thine  eyes, 
That  thou  mayst  well  discern  the  gods  from  men  ;  155 
And  if  a  god  should  tempt  thee  to  the  fight, 
Beware  to  combat  with  the  immortal  race  ; 
Only,  should  Venus,  child  of  Jupiter, 
Take  part  in  battle,  wound"  her  with  thy  spear." 

The  blue-eyed  Pallas  spake,  and  disappeared  ;  <(» 
And  Diomed  went  back  into  the  field 
And  mingled  with  the  warriors.     If  before    . 


Book   V.  117 

His  spirit  moved  him  fiercely  to  engage 

The  men  of  Troy,  a  threefold  courage  now 

Inspired  him.     As  a  lion  who  has  leaped  165 

Into  a  fold  —  and  he  who  guards  the  flock 

Has  wounded  but  not  slain  him  —  feels  his  rage 

Waked  by  the  blow  ;  —  the  affrighted  shepherd  thei\ 

Ventures  not  near,  but  hides  within  the  stalls, 

And  the  forsaken  sheep  are  put  to  flight,  170 

And,  huddling,  slain  in  heaps,  till  o'er  the  fence 

The  savage  bounds  into  the  fields  again  ;  — 

Such  was  Tydides  midst  the  sons  of  Troy. 

Astynoiis  first  he  slew,  Hypenor  next, 

The  shepherd  of  the  people.     One  he  pierced      m 

High  on  the  bosom  with  his  brazen  spear, 

And  smote  the  other  on  the  collar-bone 

With  his  good  sword,  and  hewed  from  neck  and  spine 

The  shoulder.     There  he  left  the  dead,  and  rushed 

To  Abas  and  to  Polyeidus,  sons  '& 

Of  old  Eurydamas,  interpreter 

Of  visions.     Ill  the  aged  man  had  read 

His  visions  when  they  joined  the  war.     They  died, 

And  Diomed,  the  valiant,  spoiled  the  slain. 

Xanthus  and  Thoon  he  encountered  next,  -85 

The  sons  of  Phaenops,  born  in  his  old  age. 

No  other  child  had  he,  to  be  his  heir, 

And  he  was  worn  with  length  of  years.     These  two 

Tydides  smote  and  took  their  lives,  and  left 

Grief  to  their  father  and  regretful  cares,  '» 

Since  he  no  more  should  welcome  their  return 


1 1 8  The  Iliad. 

From  war,  and  strangers  should  divide  his  wealth. 
Then  smote  he  Chromius  and  Echemon,  sons 
Of  Dardan  Priam,  in  one  chariot  both. 
As  on  a  herd  of  beeves  a  lion  springs  i9S 

While  midst  the  shrubs  they  browse,  and  breaks 

their  necks,  — 

Heifer  or  ox,  —  so  sprang  he  on  the  twain 
And  struck  them,  vainly  struggling,  from  their  car, 
And  spoiled  them  of  their   arms,  and  took  their 

steeds, 
And  bade  his  comrades  lead  them  to  the  fleet.      =00 

yEneas,  who  beheld  him  scattering  thus 
The  embattled  ranks  before  him,  straightway  went 
Through  the  thick  fight,  amid  encountering  spears, 
In  search  of  godlike  Pandarus.     He  found 
Lycaon's  blameless  and  illustrious  son,  ?o3 

And  stood  before  him,  and  addressed  him  thus  :  — 

"  Where  is  thy  bow,  O  Pandarus,  and  where 
Thy  winged  arrows  ?     Where  the  old  renown 
In  which  no  warrior  here  can  vie  with  thee, 
And  none  upon  the  Lycian  shore  can  boast  ZIP 

That  he  excels  thee  ?     Hasten,  and  lift  up 
Thy  hands  in  prayer  to  Jupiter,  and  send 
An  arrow  at  this  man,  whoe'er  he  be, 
Who  thus  prevails,  and  thus  afflicts  our  host, 
And  makes  the  knees  of  many  a  strong  man  weak. 
Strike  him,  —  unless  he  be  some  god  incensed      ^ 
At  Troy  for  sacrifice  withheld,  since  hard 
It  is  to  bear  the  anger  of  a  god." 


Book    V.  119 

Lycaon's  son,  the  far-renowned,  replied  :  — 
11  yEneas,  leader  of  the  Trojans  mailed 
In  brass,  to  me  this  man  in  ah"  things  seems 
Like  warlike  Diomed.     I  know  his  shield, 
High  helm,  and  steeds,  and  yet  I  may  not  say 
That  this  is  not  a  god.     But  if  he  be 
The  chief  of  whom  I  speak,  the  warlike  son 
Of  Tydeus,  not  thus  madly  would  he  fight, 
Without  some  god  to  aid  him.     By  his  side 
Is  one  of  the  immortals,  with  a  cloud 
About  his  shoulders,  turning  from  its  aim 
The  swiftly  flying  arrow.     'T  was  but  late  =3° 

I  aimed  a  shaft  that  pierced  the  hollow  mail 
On  his  left  shoulder,  and  I  thought  him  sent 
To  Pluto,  but  I  slew  him  not.     Some  god 
Must  be  offended  with  me.     I  have  here 
No  steeds  or  car  to  mount.     Far  off  at  home        =35 
There  stand  within  Lycaon's  palace-walls 
Eleven  chariots,  fair  and  fresh  and  new : 
Each  has  an  ample  cover,  and  by  each 
Are  horses  yoked  in  pairs,  that  champ  their  oats 
And  their  white  barley.     When  I  left  my  home,   =40 
Lycaon,  aged  warrior,  counselled  me, 
Within  his  sumptuous  halls,  that  with  my  steeds 
And  chariot  I  should  lead  the  sons  of  Troy 
In  the  fierce  battle.     I  obeyed  him  not  : 
Far  better  if  I  had.     I  wished  to  spare  ^ 

My  horses,  lest,  so  largely  fed  at  home, 
They  might  want  food  in  the  beleaguered  town. 


I2O  The  Iliad. 

So,  leaving  them,  I  came  on  foot  to  Troy, 

Confiding  in  my  bow,  which  yet  was  doomed 

To  avail  me  little,  for  already  I 

Have  smitten  with  my  arrows  the  two  chiefs, 

Tydides  and  Atrides,  and  from  both 

Drew  the  red  blood,  but  only  made  their  rage 

To  flame  the  fiercer.     In  an  evil  hour 

I  took  my  bow  and  quiver  from  the  wall  25 

And  came  to  lead  the  Trojans  for  the  sake 

Of  Hector.     But  if  ever  I  return 

To  see  my  native  country  and  my  wife 

And  my  tall  spacious  mansion,  may  some  foe 

Strike  off  my  head  if  with  these  hands  I  fail 

To  break  my  bow  in  pieces,  casting  it 

Into  the  flames,  a  useless  weapon  now." 

The  Trojan  chief  ^Eneas,  answering,  said  :  — 
"  Nay,  talk  not  so  ;  it  cannot  but  be  thus, 
Until  upon  a  chariot,  and  with  steeds,  *> 

We  try  our  prowess  with  this  man  in  war. 
Haste,  mount  my  chariot  here,  and  thou  shalt  see 
How  well  are  Trojan  horses  trained  to  range 
The  field  of  battle,  in  the  swift  pursuit 
Hither  and  thither,  or  in  rapid  flight  ; 
And  they  shall  bring  us  safely  to  the  town 
Should  Jove  a  second  time  bestow  the  meed 
Of  glory  on  Tydides.     Haste,  and  take 
The  lash  and  well-wrought  reins,  while  I  descend 
To  fight  on  foot  ;  or  haply  thou  wilt  w;n't 
The  foe's  advance  while  I  direct  the  steeds." 


Book    V.  121 

Then  spake  again  Lycaon's  eminent  son  :  — 
"  Keep  thou  the  reins,  /Eneas,  and  still  guide 
The  horses.     With  their  wonted  charioteer, 
The  better  shall  they  bear  away  the  car  & 

Should  we  be  forced  lo  fly  before  the  arm 
Of  Uiomecl  ;  lest,  taking  flight,  they  range 
Unmastered  when  they  hear  thy  voice  no  more, 
Nor  bear  us  from  the  combat,  and  the  son 
Of  Tydeus,  having  slain  us,  shall  lead  thence        ?*s 
Thy  firm-hoofed  coursers.    Therefore  guide  them  still, 
Them  and  the  chariot,  while,  with  this  keen  spear, 
I  wait  the  Greek,  as  he  is  rushing  on." 

They  spake,  and,  climbing  the  magnificent  car, 
Turned  toward  Tydides  the  swift-footed  steeds,     w 
The  noble  son  of  Capaneus  beheld, 
And  said  in  winged  words  to  Diomed  :  — 

"  Tydides  Diomed,  most  dear  of  men  ! 
I  see  two  warriors,  strong,  immensely  strong, 
Coming  to  combat  with  thee.     Pandarus  295 

Is  one,  the  skilled  in  archery,  who  boasts 
To  be  Lycaon's  son  ;  and  by  his  side 
There  comes  /Eneas,  glorying  that  he  sprang 
From  the  large-souled  Anchises,  —  borne  to  him 
By  Venus.     Mount  we  now  our  car  and  leave       3°° 
The  ground,  nor  in  thy  fury  rush  along 
The  van  of  battle,  lest  thou  lose  thy  life." 

The  brave  Tydides,  with  a  frown,  replied  :  — 
"  Speak  not  of  flight  ;  thou  canst  not  yet  persuade 
My  mind  to  that.     To  skulk  or  shrink  with  fear   w 

VOL.  i.  6 


122  The  Iliad. 

In  battle  ill  becomes  me,  and  my  strength 
Is  unexhausted  yet.     It  suits  me  not 
To  mount  the  chariot ;  I  will  meet  the  foe 
Just  as  I  am.     Minerva  will  not  let 
My  spirit  falter.     Ne'er  shall  those  swift  steeds    3« 
Bear  the  two  warriors  hence,  —  if  even  one 
Escapes  me.     One  thing  more  have  I  to  say  ; 
And  keep  it  well  in  mind.     Should  Pallas  deign  — 
The  wise,  forecasting  Pallas  —  to  bestow 
On  me  the  glory  of  o'ercoming  both,  3-5 

Stop  thy  swift  horses,  and  tie  fast  the  reins 
To  our  own  chariot,  and  make  haste  to  seize 
The  horses  of  /Eneas,  guiding  them 
Hence  from  the  Trojan  to  the  Grecian  host ; 
For  they  are  of  the  stock  which  Jupiter  3=0 

The  Thunderer  gave  to  Tros.     It  was  the  price 
He  paid  for  Ganymede,  and  they,  of  all 
Beneath  the  eye  of  morning  and  the  sun, 
Are  of  the  choicest  breed.     The  king  of  men, 
Anchises,  stealthily  and  unobserved,  325 

Brought  to  the  coursers  of  Laomedon 
His  brood-mare,  and  obtained  the  race.     Six  colts, 
Their  offspring,  in  his  courts  were  foaled.     Of  these, 
Four  for  himself  he  kept,  and  in  his  stalls 
Reared  them,  and  two  of  them,  both  apt  for  war,  ^ 
He  gave  /Eneas.     If  we  make  them  ours, 
The  exploit  will  bring  us  honor  and  renown." 
Thus  they  conferred.     Meantime  their  foes  drew 
near, 


Book   V.  123 

Urging  their  fiery  coursers  on,  and  first 

Lycaon's  eminent  son  addressed  the  Greek  :  —     3* 

"  My  weapon,  swift  and  sharp,  the  arrow,  failed 
To  slay  thee  ;  let  me  try  the  javelin  now, 
And  haply  thai,  at  least,  may  reach  its  mark." 

He  spake,  and,  brandishing  his  massive  spear, 
Hurled  it  against  the  shield  of  Diomed.  340 

The  brazen  point  broke  through,  and  reached  the 

mail. 
Then  shouted  with  loud  voice  Lycaon's  son  :  — 

"  Ha  !  thou  art  wounded  in  thy  flank  ;  my  spear 
Bites  deep  ;  nor  long,  I  think,  canst  thou  survive, 
And  great  will  be  my  glory  gained  from  thee."      345 

But  thus  the  valiant  Diomed  replied, 
Incapable  of  fear  :  "  Thy  thought  is  wrong. 
I  am  not  wounded,  and  I  well  perceive 
That  ye  will  never  give  the  conflict  o'er 
Till  one  of  you,  laid  low  amid  the  dust,          -       350 
Pour  out  his  blood  to  glut  the  god  of  war." 

He  spake,  and  cast  his  spear.     Minerva  kept 
The  weapon  faithful  to  its  aim.     It  struck 
The  nose,  and  near  the  eye  ;  then  passing  on 
Betwixt  the  teeth,  the  unrelenting  edge  & 

Cleft  at  its  root  the  tongue  ;  the  point  came  out 
Beneath  the  chin.     The  warrior  from  his  car 
Fell  headlong  ;  his  bright  armor,  fairly  wrought, 
Clashed  round  him  as  he  fell ;  his  fiery  steeds 
Started  aside  with  fright ;  his  breath  and  strength  & 
Were  gone  at  once.     /Eneas,  with  his  shield 


1 24  '11  ic  Iliad. 

And    his   long   spear,    leaped   down    to   guard  the 

slain, 

That  the  Achaians  might  not  drag  him  thence. 
There,  lion-like,  confiding  in  his  strength, 
He  stalked  around  the  corpse,  and  over  it  r-:, 

Held  his  round  shield  and  lance,  prepared  to  slay 
Whoever  came,  and  shouting  terribly. 

Tydicles  raised  a  stone,  —  a  mighty  weight, 
Such  as  no  two  men  living  now  could  lift  ; 
But  he,  alone,  could  swing  it  round  with  ease.        v° 
With  this  he  smote  yEneas  on  the  hip, 
Where  the  thigh  joins  its  socket.     By  the  blow 
He  brake  the  socket  and  the  tendons  twain, 
And  tore  the  skin  with  the  rough,  jagged  stone. 
The  hero  fell  upon  his  knees,  but  stayed  « 

His  fall  with  his  strong  palm  upon  the  ground  ; 
And  o'er  his  eyes  a  shadow  came  like  night. 

Then  had  the  king  of  men,  ..'Eneas,  died, 
But  for  Jove's  daughter,  Venus,  who  perceived 
His  danger  instantly,  —  his  mother,  she 
Who  bore  him  to  Anchises  when  he  kept 
His  beeves,  a  herdsman.      Round  her  son  she  cast 
Her  white  arms,  spreading  over  him  in  folds 
Her  shining  robe,  to  be  a  fence  against 
The  weapons  of  the  foe,  lest  some  Greek  knight  & 
Should  at  his  bosom  aim  the  steel  to  take 
His  life.     And  thus  the  goddess  bore  away 
From  that  fierce  conflict  her  beloved  son. 

Nor  did  the  son  of  Capaneus  forget 


Book   K  125 

The  bidding  of  the  warlike  Diomed, 

But  halted  his  firm-footed  steeds  apart 

From  the  great  tumult,  with  the  long  reins  stretched 

And  fastened  to  the  chariot.     Next,  he  sprang 

To  seize  the  horses  with  fair-flowing  manes, 

That  drew  the  chariot  of  ^Eneas.     These  *» 

He  drave  away,  far  from  the  Trojan  host, 

To  the  well-greaved  Achaians,  giving  them 

In  charge,  to  lead  them  to  the  hollow  ships, 

To  his  beloved  friend  Dei'pylus, 

Whom  he  of  all  his  comrades  honored  most,          400 

As  likest  to  himself  in  years  and  mind. 

And  then  he  climbed  his  car  and  took  the  reins, 

And,  swiftly  drawn  by  his  firm-footed  steeds, 

Followed  Tydides,  who  with  cruel  steel 

Sought  Venus,  knowing  her  unapt  for  war,  4°s 

And  all  unlike  the  goddesses  who  guide 

The  battles  of  mankind,  as  Pallas  does, 

Or  as  Bellona,  ravager  of  towns. 

O'ertaking  her  at  last,  with  long  pursuit, 

Amid  the  throng  of  warring  men,  the  son  4>o 

Of  warlike  Tycleus  aimed  at  her  his  spear, 

And  wounded  in  her  hand  the  delicate  one 

With  its  sharp  point.      It  pierced  the  ambrosial  robe, 

Wrought  for  her  by  the  Graces,  at  the  spot 

Where  the  palm  joins  the  wrist,  and  broke  the  skin, 

And  drew  immortal  blood,  —  the  ichor,  —  such    4i« 

As  from  the  blessed  gods  may  flow  ;  for  they 

Eat  not  the  wheaten  loaf,  nor  drink  dark  wine ; 


120  The  Iliad. 

And  therefore  they  are  bloodless,  and  are  called 
Immortal.     At  the  stroke  the  goddess  shrieked,    4-« 
And  dropped  her  son.     Apollo  in  his  arms 
Received  and  in  a  dark  cloud  rescued  him, 
Lest  any  of  the  Grecian  knights  should  aim 
A  weapon  at  his  breast  to  take  his  life. 
Meantime  the  brave  Tydides  cried  aloud  :  —          425 

"  Leave  wars  and  battle,  goddess.     Is  it  not 
Enough  that  thou  delude  weak  womankind  ? 
Yet,  if  thou  ever  shouldst  return,  to  bear 
A  part  in  battle,  thou  shalt  have  good  cause 
To  start  with  fear,  when  war  is  only  named."        43° 

He  spake ;  and  she  departed,  wild  with  pain, 
For  grievously  she  suffered.     Instantly 
Fleet-footed  Iris  took  her  by  the  hand 
And  led  her  from  the  place,  her  heart  oppressed 
With  anguish  and  her  fair  cheek  deathly  pale.       433 
She  found  the  fiery  Mars,  \\ho  had  withdrawn 
From  that  day's  combat  to  the  left,  and  sat, 
His  spear  and  his  swift  coursers  hid  from  sight, 
In  darkness.     At  his  feet  she  fell,  and  prayed 
Her  brother  fervently,  that  he  would  lend  440 

His  steeds  that  stood  in  trappings  wrought  of  gold  :  — 

"  Dear  brother,  aid  me  ;  let  me  have  thy  steeds 
To  bear  me  to  the  Olympian  mount,  the  home 
Of  gods,  for  grievously  the  wound  I  bear 
Afflicts  me.    'T  was  a  mortal  gave  the  wound,  —  443 
Tydides,  who  would  even  fight  with  Jove." 

She  spake ;  and  Mars  resigned  to  her  his  steed;- 


Book    V.  127 

With  trappings  of  bright  gold.     She  climbed  the  car, 
Still  grieving,  and,  beside  her,  Iris  took 
Her  seat,  and  caught  the  reins  and  plied  the  lash.  «• 
On  flew  the  coursers,  on,  with  willing  speed, 
And  soon  were  at  the  mansion  of  the  gods 
Ou  high  Olympus.     There  the  active-limbed, 
Fleet  Iris  stayed  them,  loosed  them  from  the  car, 
And  fed  them  with  ambrosial  food.     Meanwhile,  453 
The  goddess  Venus  at  Dione's  feet 
Had  cast  herself.     The  mother  round  her  child 
Thi-ew  tenderly  her  arms,  and  with  her  hand 
Caressed  her  brow,  and  spake,  and  thus  inquired : — 

"  Which  of  the  dwellers  of  the  skies,  dear  child,  460 
Has  dealt  thus  cruelly  with  thee,  as  one 
Caught  in  the  doing  of  some  flagrant  wrong  ? " 

And  thus  did  Venus,  queen  of  smiles,  reply  :  — 
"  The  son  of  Tydeus,  arrogant  Diomed, 
Wounded  me  as  I  sought  to  bear  away  465 

From  battle's  dangers  my  beloved  son 
^Eneas,  dear  beyond  all  other  men  : 
For  now  no  longer  does  the  battle  rage 
Between  the  Greeks  and  Trojans,  but  the  Greeks 
Venture  to  combat  even  with  the  gods."  470 

Dione,  great  among  the  goddesses, 
Rejoined :  "  Submit,  my  daughter,  and  endure, 
Though  inly  grieved;  for  many  of  us  who  dwell 
Upon  the  Olympian  mount  have  suffered  much 
From  mortals,  and  have  brought  great  miseries     475 
Upon  each  other.     First,  it  was  the  fate 


128  TJic  Iliad. 

Of  Mars  to  suffer,  when  Aloeus'  sons, 

Otus  and  mighty  Ephialtes,  made 

Their  fetters  fast  upon  his  limbs.     He  lay 

Chained  thirteen  months  within  a  brazen  cell  ;      &* 

And  haply  there  the  god,  whose  thirst  of  blood 

Is  never  cloyed,  had  perished,  but  for  aid 

Which  Eribcea  gave,  the  beautiful, 

His  step-mother.     She  made  his  miseries  known 

To  Mercury,  who  set  him  free  by  stealth,  &-> 

Withered  and  weak  with  long  imprisonment. 

And  Juno  suffered  when  Amphitryon's  son, 

The  valiant,  dared  to  plant  in  her  right  breast 

A  three-pronged  arrow,  and  she  writhed  with  pain. 

And  Pluto  suffered,  when  the  hero-son  490 

Of  aegis-bearing  Jove,  with  a  swift  shaft, 

Smote  him  beside  the  portals  of  the  dead. 

And  left  him  filled  with  pain.     He  took  his  way 

To  high  Olympus  and  the  home  of  Jove, 

Grieving  and  racked  with  pain,  for  deep  the  dart  495 

Had  pierced  his  brawny  shoulder,  torturing  him. 

There  Paean  with  his  pain-dispelling  balms 

Healed  him,  for  he  was  not  of  mortal  race. 

O  daring  man  and  reckless,  to  make  light 

Of  such  impieties  and  violate  500 

The  sacred  persons  of  the  Olympian  gods ! 

It  was  the  blue-eyed  Pallas  who  stirred  up 

Tydides  to  assail  thee  thus.     The  fool  ! 

He  knew  not  that  the  man  who  dares  to  meet 

The  gods  in  combat  lives  not  long.     No  child       s°s 


Book    V.  1 29 

Shall  prattling  call  him  father  when  he  comes 

Returning  from  the  dreadful  tasks  of  war. 

Let  then  Tydides,  valiant  though  he  be, 

Beware  lest  a  more  potent  foe  than  thou 

Encounter  him,  and  lest  the  nobly-born  510 

yKgialeia,  in  some  night  to  come  — 

Wise  daughter  of  Adrastus,  and  the  spouse 

Of  the  horse-tamer  Diomed  —  call  up 

The  servants  of  her  household  from  their  sleep, 

Bewailing  him  to  whom  in  youth  she  gave  513 

Her  maiden  troth,  —  the  bravest  of  the  Greeks." 

She  spake,  and  wiped  the  ichor  from  the  hand 
Of  Venus  ;  at  her  touch  the  hand  was  healed 
And  the  pain  left  it.     Meantime  Pallas  stood, 
With  Juno,  looking  on,  both  teasing  Jove  520 

With  words  of  sarcasm.     Blue-eyed  Pallas  thus 
Addressed  the  god  :  "  O  Father  Jupiter, 
Wilt  thou  be  angry  at  the  word  I  speak  ?  — 
As  Venus,  wheedling  some  Achaian  dame 
To  join  the  host  she  loves,  the  sons  of  Troy,         y, 
Caressed  the  fair,  arrayed  in  gay  attire, 
A  golden  buckle  scratched  her  tender  hand." 

As  thus  she  spake,  the  Father  of  the  gods 
And  mortals,  calling  golden  Venus  near, 
Said,  with  a  smile  :  "  Nay,  daughter,  not  for  thee  H<- 
Are  tasks  of  war  ;  be  gentle  marriage-rites 
Thy  care  ;  the  labors  of  the  battle-field 
Pertain  to  Pallas  and  the  fiery  Mars." 

Thus  with  each  other  talked  the  gods,  while  still 
6*  i 


130  The  Iliad. 

The  great  in  battle,  Diomed,  pursued  535 

^Eneas,  though  he  knew  that  Phoebus  stretched 

His  arm  to  guard  the  warrior.     Small  regard 

Had  he  for  the  great  god,  and  much  he  longed 

To  strike  y£neas  down  and  bear  away 

The  glorious  arms  he  wore ;  and  thrice  he  rushed  540 

To  slay  the  Trojan,  thrice  Apollo  smote 

Upon  his  glittering  shield.     But  when  he  made 

The  fourth  assault,  as  if  he  were  a  god, 

The  archer  of  the  skies,  Apollo,  thus 

With  menacing  words  rebuked  him  :  "  Diomed,    545 

Beware  ;  desist,  nor  think  to  make  thyself 

The  equal  of  a  god.     The  deathless  race 

Of  gods  is  not  as  those  who  walk  the  earth." 

He  spake  ;  the  son  of  Tydeus,  shrinking  back, 
Gave  way  before  the  anger  of  the  god  550 

Who  sends  his  shafts  afar.     Then  Phoebus  bore 
y£neas  from  the  tumult  to  the  height 
Of  sacred  Pergamus,  where  stands  his  fane ; 
And  there  Latona  and  the  archer-queen, 
Diana,  in  the  temple's  deep  recess, 
Tended  him  and  brought  back  his  glorious  strength. 
Meantime  the  bowyer-god,  Apollo,  formed 
An  image  of  ^Eneas,  armed  like  him, 
Round  which  the  Trojans  and  Achaians  thronged 
With  many  a  heavy  weapon-stroke  that  fell 
Upon  the  huge  orbs  of  their  ox-hide  shields 
And  lighter  bucklers.     Now  to  fiery  Mars 
Apollo  spake  :  "  Mars,  Mars,  thou  plague  of  men, 


Book    V.  131 

Thou  steeped  in  blood,  destroyer  of  walled  towns ! 
Wilt  thou  not  force  this  man  to  leave  the  field?     565 
Wilt  thou  not  meet  in  arms  this  daring  son 
Of  Tydeus,  who  would  even  fight  with  Jove  ? 
Already  has  he  wounded,  in  close  fight, 
The  goddess  Venus  at  the  wrist,  and  since 
Assaulted  me  as  if  he  were  a  god."  57° 

He  said,  and  on  the  heights  of  Pergamus 
Sat  down,  while  the  destroyer  Mars  went  forth 
Among  the  embattled  Trojan  ranks,  to  rouse 
Their  valor.     In  the  form  of  Acamus, 
The  gallant  Thracian  leader,  he  bespake  sis 

The  sons  of  Jove-descended  Priam  thus  :  — 

"  O  sons  of  Priam,  him  who  claims  descent 
From  Jupiter  !  how  long  will  ye  submit 
To  see  your  people  slaughtered  by  the  Greeks  ? 
Is  it  until  the  battle-storm  shall  reach  & 

Your  city's  stately  portals  ?     Even  now 
A  hero  whom  we  honor  equally 
With  the  great  Hector,  our  ^Eneas,  son 
Of  the  large-souled  Anchises,  is  struck  down. 
Haste,  let  us  rescue  our  beloved  friend."  585 

He  spake,  and  into  every  heart  his  words 
Carried  new  strength  and  courage.     In  that  hour 
Sarpedon  chid  the  noble  Hector  thus  :  — 

"  Where  is  the  prowess,  Hector,  which  was  thine 
So  lately  ?     Thou  hast  said  that  thou  alone,          590 
Thy  kindred  and  thy  brothers,  could  defend 
The  city,  without  armies  or  allies. 


132  TJic  Iliad. 

Now  I  see  none  of  these  ;  they  all,  like  hounds 

Before  a  lion,  crouch  and  slink  away, 

While  the  confederates  bear  the  brunt  of  war.       5 

I  am  but  an  auxiliar  come  from  far, 

From  Lycia,  where  the  eddying  Xanthus  runs. 

There  left  I  a  beloved  wife,  and  there 

An  infant  child,  and  large  possessions,  such 

As  poor  men  covet.     Yet  do  I  exhort 

My  Lycians  to  the  combat,  and  myself 

Would  willingly  engage  this  foe  of  Troy, 

Although  I  here  have  nothing  which  the  Greeks 

Might  bear  or  drive  away.     Thou  standest  still, 

Meanwhile,  nor  dost  thou  bid  the  rest  to  keep      & 

Their  ground  and  bear  the  battle  for  their  wives. 

Yet  have  a  care,  lest,  as  if  caught  at  length 

In  the  strong  meshes  of  a  mighty  net, 

Ye  find  yourselves  the  captives  and  the  prey 

Of  enemies,  who  quickly  will  destroy  c 

Your  nobly-peopled  city.     These  are  thoughts 

That  should  engage  thy  mind  by  night  and  day, 

And  thou  shouldst  beg  the  chiefs  of  thine  allies, 

Called  to  thy  aid  from  far,  that  manfully 

They  meet  the  foe,  and  foil  his  fierce  attack,         e 

And  take  the  cause  of  this  reproach  away." 

Sarpedon  spake  ;  and  Hector,  all  in  arms, 
Stung  by  his  words,  and  leaping  from  his  car, 
Brandished  his  spears,  and  went  among  the  hosts 
And  rallied  them  to  battle.     Terrible 
The  conflict  that  ensued.     The  men  of  Troy 


Book   V.  133 

Made  head  against  the  Greeks  :  the  Greeks  stood 

firm, 

Nor  ever  thought  of  flight.     As  when  the  wind 
Strews  chaff  about  the  sacred  threshing-floors 
While  wheat  is  winnowed,  and  before  the  breeze  <*$ 
The  yellow  Ceres  separates  the  grain 
From  its  light  husk,  which  gathers  in  white  heaps,  — 
Even  so  the  Greeks  were  whitened  o'er  with  dust 
Raised  in  that  tumult  by  the  horses'  hoofs 
And  rising  to  the  brazen  firmament,  63o 

As  toward  the  fight  the  charioteers  again 
Urged  on  their  coursers.     Yet  the  Greeks  withstood 
The  onset,  and  struck  forward  with  strong  arms. 
Meantime  the  furious  Mars  involved  the  field 
In  darkness,  to  befriend  the  sons  of  Troy,  ^ 

And  went  through  all  the  ranks,  anJ  well  fulti^d 
The  mandate  which  Apollo  gave  the  god 
Who  wields  the  golden  falchion,  bidding  him 
Kindle  the  courage  of  the  Trojan  host 
Whene'er  he  saw  the  auxiliar  of  the  Greeks,          ^ 
Minerva,  leave  the  combat.     Then  the  god 
Brought  from  the  sanctuary's  inner  shrine 
yfLneas,  —  filling  with  recovered  strength 
That  shepherd  of  the  people.     He  beside 
His  comrades  placed  himself,  and  they  rejoiceo1    ^ 
To  see  him  living  and  unharmed  and  strong 
As  ever  ;  yet  they  questioned  not  ;  their  task 
Was  different,  set  them  by  the  god  who  bears 
The  silver  bow,  and  Mars  the  slayer  of  men, 


134  The  Iliad. 

And  raging  Strife  that  never  is  appeased.  <*0 

The  Ajaces  and  Ulysses  and  the  son 
Of  Tydeus  roused  the  Achaians  to  the  fight. 
For  of  the  strength  and  clamor  of  the  foe 
They  felt  no  fear,  but  calmly  stood,  to  bide 
The  assault ;  as  stand  in  air  the  quiet  clouds        655 
Which  Saturn's  son  upon  the  mountain-tops 
Piles  in  still  volumes  when  the  north  wind  sleeps, 
And  every  ruder  breath  of  blustering  air 
That  drives  the  gathered  vapors  through  the  sky. 
Thus  calmly  waited  they  the  Trojan  host,  &* 

Nor  thought  of  flight.     And  now  Atrides  passed 
In  haste  along  their  ranks,  and  gave  command  :  — 

"  O  friends,  be  men,  and  let  your  hearts  be  strong, 
And  let  no  warrior  in  the  heat  of  fight 
Do  what  may  bring  him  shame  in  others'  eyes  ;     «s 
For  more  of  those  who  shrink  from  shame  are  safe 
Than  fall  in  battle,  while  with  those  who  flee 
Is  neither  glory  nor  reprieve  from  death." 

So  spake  the  king,  and  hurled  his  spear  and  smote 
Deicoon,  the  son  of  Pergasis,  67o 

A  chief,  and  a  companion  in  the  war 
Of  the  great-souled  ^Eneas.     He  in  Troy 
Was  honored  as  men  honored  Priam's  sons, 
For  he  was  ever  foremost  in  the  fight.  674 

The  weapon  struck  his  shield,  yet  stopped  not  there, 
But,  breaking  through  its  folds  and  through  the  belt, 
Transfixed  the  part  beneath.     The  Trojan  fell 
To  earth,  his  armor  clashing  with  his  fall. 


Book   V,  135 

./Eneas  slew  the  sons  of  Diocles,  — 
Orsilochus  and  Crethon,  eminent  Greeks.  6so 

Their  father  dwelt  in  Pherae  nobly  built, 
Amid  his  riches.     From  Alpheius  he 
Derived  his  race,  —  a  river  whose  long  stream 
Flows  through  the  meadows  of  the  Pylian  land. 
Orsiloch".s  was  to  Alpheius  born,  es; 

Lord  over  many  men,  and  he  became 
The  father  of  great  Diocles,  to  whom 
Twin  sons  were  born,  well  trained  in  all  the  arts 
Of  warfare,  —  Crethon  and  Orsilochus. 
These,  in  the  prime  of  youth,  with  their  black  ships 
Followed  the  Argives  to  the  coast  of  Troy  63l 

Famed  for  its  generous  steeds.    They  left  their  home 
To  vindicate  the  honor  of  the  sons 
Of  Atreus,  —  Agamemnon,  king  of  men, 
And  Menelaus,  —  but  they  found  their  death.      695 

As  two  young  lions,  nourished  by  their  dam 
Amid  the  thickets  of  some  mighty  wood, 
Seizing  the  beeves  and  fattened  sheep,  lay  waste 
The  stables,  till  at  length  themselves  are  slain 
By  trenchant  weapons  in  the  shepherd's  hand,       7°° 
So  by  the  weapons  of  ./Eneas  died 
These  twain  ;  they  fell  as  lofty  fir-trees  fall. 
But  now,  when  Menelaus  saw  their  fate, 
The  mighty  warrior,  deeply  sorrowing,  rushed 
Among  the  foremost,  armed  in  glittering  brass,      7^5 
And  brandishing  his  spear  ;  for  Mars  had  roused 
His  soul  to  fury,  trusting  he  would  meet 


136  The  Iliad. 

/Eneas,  and  would  perish  by  his  hand. 

Antilochus,  the  generous  Nestor's  son, 

Came  also  to  the  van,  for  anxiously  ?« 

He  feared  mischance  might  overtake  the  king, 

To  make  the  toils  of  their  long  warfare  vain  ; 

And  there  he  found  the  combatants  prepared 

For  battle,  with  their  trusty  spears  in  hand, 

And  standing  face  to  face.     At  once  he  took        ?'• 

His  stand  beside  the  monarch  of  the  Greeks. 

At  sight  of  the  two  warriors  side  by  side, 

All  valiant  as  he  was,  tineas  shunned 

The  encounter.  They,  when  they  had  drawn  the  dead 

Among  the  Grecian  ranks,  and  to  their  friends     ?*> 

Given  up  the  hapless  brothers,  turned  to  take 

Their  place  among  the  foremost  in  the  fight. 

Then,  too,  Pylaemenes,  a  chief  like  Mars, 

And  leader  of  the  Paphlagonian  host,  — 

A  valiant  squadron  armed  with  shields,  —  was  slain. 

Atrides  Menelaus,  skilled  to  wield 

The  javelin,  gave  his  death-wound.     He  transfixed 

The  shoulder  at  the  collar-bone.     Meanwhile 

Antilochus  against  his  charioteer, 

Mydon,  the  brave  son  of  Atymnias,  hurled  730 

A  stone  that  smote  his  elbow  as  he  wheeled 

His  firm-paced  steeds  in  flight.      He  dropped  the 

reins, 

Gleaming  with  ivory  as  they  trailed  in  dust. 
Antilochus  leaped  forward,  smiting  him 
Upon  the  temples  with  his  sword.     He  fell  ;-,= 


Book   V,  137 

Gasping  amidst  the  sand,  his  head  immersed 
Up  to  his  shoulders,  —  for  the  sand  was  deep,  — 
And  there  remained  till  he  was  beaten  down 
Before  the  horses'  hoofs.     Antilochus, 
Lashing  the  horses,  drave  them  to  the  Greeks.      m 

Hector  beheld,  and,  springing  with  loud  shouts, 
Stood  mid  the  wavering  ranks.     The  phalanxes 
Of  the  brave  Trojans  followed  him,  for  Mars 
And  terrible  Bellona  led  them  on,  — 
Bellona  bringing  Tumult  in  her  train,  745 

And    Mars   with    brandished    lance  —  a    mighty 

weight  — 
Now  stalking  after  Hector,  now  before. 

Him  when  the  valiant  Diomed  beheld, 
He  trembled  ;  and,  as  one  who,  journeying 
Along  a  way  he  knows  not,  having  crossed  750 

A  place  of  drear  extent,  before  him  sees 
A  river  rushing  swiftly  toward  the  deep, 
And  all  its  tossing  current  white  with  foam, 
And  stops  and  turns,  and  measures  back  his  way, 
So  then  did  Diomed  withdraw,  and  spake  : —       753 

"  O  friends,  how  greatly  must  we  all  admire 
This  noble  Hector,  mighty  with  the  spear 
And  terrible  in  war.     There  is  some  god 
Forever  near  him,  warding  off  the  stroke 
Of  death  -}  beside  him  yonder  even  now  ?<» 

Stands  Mars  in  semblance  of  a  mortal  man. 
Yield,  then,  and  with  your  faces  toward  the  foe 
Fall  back,  and  strive  not  with  the  gods  of  heaven." 


138  The  Iliad. 

Even  as  he  spake,  the  Trojan  host  drew  near, 
And  Hector  slew  two  warriors  trained  to  arms,  — 
Menesthes  and  Anchialus,  —  who  came  ?«> 

Both  in  one  chariot  to  the  war.     Their  fall 
Ajax,  the  son  of  Telamon,  beheld, 
And  pitied,  and  drew  near,  and  stood,  and  hurled 
His  glittering  spear.     It  smote  Ampheius,  son      ??. 
Of  Selagus,  who,  rich  in  lands  and  goods, 
Abode  in  Pasus.     In  an  evil  hour 
He  joined  the  cause  of  Priam  and  his  sons. 
Him  at  the  belt  the  spear  of  Ajax  smote, 
And  pierced  the  bowels.     With  a  crash  he  fell.     775 
Then  hastened  mighty  Ajax  to  strip  off 
The  armor,  but  the  Trojans  at  him  cast 
Their  pointed  spears  that  glittered  as  they  flew, 
And  many  struck  his  shield.     He  pressed  his  heel 
Against  the  slain,  and  from  the  body  drew  780 

His  brazen  spear,  but  could  not  from  the  breast 
Loose  the  bright  mail,  so  thick  the  weapons  came, 
And  such  the  wary  dread  with  which  he  saw 
The  bravest  of  the  Trojans  closing  round,  734 

Many  and  fierce,  and  all  with  spears  outstretched  ; 
And  he,  though  strong  and  valiant  and  renowned, 
Driven  from  the  ground,  gave  way  to  mightier  force. 

So  toiled  the  warriors  through  that  stubborn  fight, 
When  cruel  fate  urged  on  Tlepolemus, 
The  great  and  valiant  son  of  Hercules, 
To  meet  Sarpedon,  mighty  as  a  god. 
And  now  as  each  tc  each  advanced,  —  the  son 


Book   V.  139 

And  grandson  of  the  cloud-compeller  Jove, — 
Thus  first  Tlepolemus  addressed  his  foe  :  — 

"  Sarpedon,  Lycian  monarch,  what  has  brought  795 
Thee  hither,  trembling  thus,  and  inexpert 
In  battle  ?     Lying  flatterers  are  they 
That  call  thee  son  of  Jupiter  who  bears 
The  aegis  ;  for  unlike  the  heroes  thou, 
Born  to  the  Thunderer  in  times  of  old,  8«> 

Nor  like  my  daring  father,  Hercules 
The  lion-hearted,  who  once  came  to  Troy 
To  claim  the  coursers  of  Laomedon. 
With  but  six  ships,  and  warriors  but  a  few, 
He  laid  the  city  waste  and  made  its  streets  s°s 

A  desolation.     Thou  art  weak  of  heart, 
And  round  thee  are  thy  people  perishing ; 
Yet,  even  wert  thou  brave,  thy  presence  here 
From  Lycia's  coast  would  prove  of  small  avail 
To  Troy  ;  for,  slain  in  combat  here  by  me,  sio 

Thou  to  the  gates  of  Hades  shalt  go  down." 

Sarpedon,  leader  of  the  Lycians,  thus 
Made  answer  :  "  True  it  is,  Tlepolemus, 
That  he  laid  waste  the  sacred  city  of  Troy 
For  the  base  dealings  of  Laomedon,  815 

The  monarch  who  with  railing  words  repaid 
His  great  deservings,  and  kept  back  the  steeds 
For  which  he  came  so  far.     But  thou  —  thy  fate 
Is  slaughter  and  black  death  from  this  my  spear  ; 
And  fame  will  come  to  me,  and  one  more  soul      s=0 
Go  down  to  Hades."     As  Sarpedon  spake, 


140  The  Iliad. 

Tlepolemus  upraised  his  ashen  spear, 

And  from  the  hands  of  both  the  chiefs  at  once 

Their  massive  weapons  flew.     Sarpedon  smote 

Full  in  the  throat  his  foe  ;  the  cruel  point 

Passed  through  the  neck,  and  night  came  o'er  his 

eyes. 

Tlepolemus,  in  turn,  on  the  left  thigh 
Had  struck  Sarpedon  with  his  ponderous  lance. 
The  weapon,  cast  with  vigorous  hand  and  arm, 
Pierced  deep,  and  touched  the  bone  ;  but  Jupiter  **> 
Averted  from  his  son  the  doom  of  death. 

His  noble  comrades  raised  and  bore  away 
The  great  Sarpedon  from  the  battle-field, 
Trailing  the  long  spear  with  them.     Bitter  pain 
It  gave  him  ;  in  their  haste  they  marked  it  not,    s35 
Nor  thought  to  draw  the  ashen  weapon  forth, 
That  he  might  mount  the  car  ;  so  eagerly 
His  anxious  bearers  hurried  from  the  war. 

On  the  other  side  the  well-armed  Greeks  took  up 
The  slain  Tlepolemus,  to  bear  him  thence.  s4o 

The  great  Ulysses,  large  of  soul,  beheld, 
And  felt  his  spirit  moved,  as  anxiously 
He  pondered  whether  to  pursue  the  son 
Of  Jove  the  Thunderer,  or  turn  and  take 
The  life  of  many  a  Lycian.     Yet  to  slay  845 

Jove's  mighty  son  was  not  his  destiny, 
And  therefore  Pallas  moved  him  to  engage 
The  crowd  of  Lycian  warriors.     Then  he  slew 
Coeranus  and  Alastor,  Chromius, 


Book   V.  141 

Alcander,  Halius,  and  Prytanis  sto 

Noemon  ;  and  yet  more  the  noble  Greek 

Had  slain,  if  crested  Hector,  mighty  chief, 

Had  not  perceived  the  havoc  and,  arrayed 

In  shining  armor,  hurried  to  the  van 

Of  battle,  carrying  terror  to  the  hearts  a-j-, 

Of  the  Achaians.     As  he  saw  him  near, 

Sarpedon  was  rejoiced,  yet  sadly  said  :  — 

"  O  son  of  Priam,  leave  me  not  a  prey 
To  these  Achaians.     Aid  me,  let  me  breathe 
My  latest  breath  in  Troy,  since  I  no  more  seo 

Can  hope,  returning  to  my  native  land, 
To  gladden  my  dear  wife  and  little  son." 

He  spake,  and  crested  Hector  answered  not, 
Still  pressing  forward,  eager  to  drive  back 
The  Greeks  in  quick  retreat,  and  take  the  life       MI 
Of  many  a  foe.     Then  did  the  noble  band 
Who  bore  the  great  Sarpedon  lay  him  down 
Beneath  a  shapely  beech,  a  tree  of  Jove 
The  yEgis-bearer.     There  stout  Pelagon, 
His  well-beloved  comrade,  from  his  thigh  870 

Drew  forth  the  sharp  blade  of  the  ashen  spear. 
Then  the  breath  left  him,  and  his  eyes  were  closed 
In  darkness  ;  but  the  light  came  back  again 
As,  breathing  over  him,  the  fresh  north  wind 
Revived  the  spirit  in  his  laboring  breast.  873 

But  not  for  Mars  nor  Hector  mailed  in  brass 
Fled  the  Achaians  to  their  fleet  ;  nor  yet 
Advanced  they  on  the  foe,  but  step  by  step 


142  The  Iliad. 

Gave  way  before  him,  for  they  had  perceived 

The  god  of  war  was  with  the  sons  of  Troy.  s&.- 

Whom  first,  whom  last  did  Hector,  Priam's  son, 
And  iron  Mars  lay  low  ?     The  godlike  chief 
Teuthras,  and  —  great  among  the  Grecian  knights — 
Orestes,  and  the  ^Etolian  Trechus,  famed 
As  spearman,  and  (Enomaus,  and  the  son 
Of  CEnops,  Helemes,  and  after  these 
Belted  Oresbius,  who  in  Hyla  made 
His  home,  intent  on  gathering  wealth  beside 
The  Lake  Cephissus,  on  whose  borders  dwelt 
Boeotians  many,  lords  of  fertile  lands.  soo 

The  white-armed  goddess  Juno,  when  she  saw 
The  Argives  falling  in  that  cruel  fray, 
Addressed  Minerva  with  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  O  thou  unconquerable  goddess,  born 
To  Jove  the  ^Egis-bearer  !  what  is  this  ?  s95 

It  was  an  idle  promise  that  we  made 
To  Menelaus,  that  he  should  behold 
Troy,  with  its  strong  defences,  overthrown, 
And  reach  his  home  again,  if  thus  we  leave 
Mars  the  destroyer  to  his  ravages. 
Come,  let  us  bring  our  friends  effectual  aid." 

So  spake  she,  and  her  bidding  was  obeyed 
By  blue-eyed  Pallas.     Juno  the  august, 
Daughter  of  mighty  Saturn,  laid  in  haste 
The  harness,  with  its  ornaments  of  gold, 
Upon  the  horses.     Hebe  rolled  the  wheels, 
Each  with  eight  spokes,  and  joined  them  to  the  ends 


Book   V.  143 

Of  the  steel  axle,  —  fellies  wrought  of  gold, 
Bound  with  a  brazen  rim  to  last  for  aye,  — 
A  wonder  to  behold.     The  hollow  naves  910 

Were  silver,  and  on  gold  and  silver  cords 
Was  slung  the  chariot's  seat  ;  in  silver  hooks 
Rested  the  reins,  and  silver  was  the  pole 
Where  the  fair  yoke  and  poitrels,  all  of  gold, 
Were  fastened.     Juno,  eager  for  the  strife,  915 

Led  the  swift-footed  steeds  beneath  the  yoke. 

Then  Pallas,  daughter  of  the  god  who  bears 
The  a3gis,  on  her  father's  palace-floor 
Let  fall  in  dainty  folds  her  flowing  robe 
Of  many  colors,  wrought  by  her  own  hand,  9=° 

And,  putting  on  the  mail  of  Jupiter 
The  Cloud-compeller,  stood  arrayed  in  arms 
For  the  stern  tasks  of  war.     Her  shoulder  bore 
The  dreadful  oggis  with  its  shaggy  brim 
Bordered  with  Terror.    There  was  Strife,  and  there 
Was  Fortitude,  and  there  was  fierce  Pursuit,          9*5 
And  there  the  Gorgon's  head,  a  ghastly  sight, 
Deformed  and  dreadful,  and  a  sign  of  woe 
When  borne  by  Jupiter.     Upon  her  head 
She  placed  a  golden  helmet  with  four  crests          93° 
And  fair  embossed,  of  strength  that  might  withstand 
The  armed  battalions  of  a  hundred  towns  ; 
Then  stepped  into  her  shining  car,  and  took 
Her  massive  spear  in  hand,  heavy  and  huge, 
With  which  whole  ranks  of  heroes  are  o'erthrown  935 
Before  the  daughter  of  the  Mighty  One 


144 

Incensed  against  them.     Juno  swung  the  lasK 

And  swiftly  urged  the  steeds.     Before  their  way, 

On  sounding  hinges,  of  their  own  accord, 

Flew  wide  the  gates  of  heaven,  which  evermore    940 

The  Hours  are  watching,  —  they  who  keep  the  mount 

Olympus  and  the  mighty  heaven,  with  power 

To  open  or  to  close  their  cloudy  veil. 

Thus  through  the  gates  they  drave  the  obedient 

steeds, 

And  found  Saturnius,  where  he  sat  apart  <«.-, 

From  other  gods,  upon  the  loftiest  height 
Of  many-peaked  Olympus.     Juno  there, 
The  white-armed  goddess,  stayed  her  chariot-wheels, 
And,  thus  accosting  Jove,  she  questioned  him  :  — 

"  O  Father  Jupiter,  does  not  thy  wrath  950 

Rise  at  those  violent  deeds  of  Mars  ?     Thou  seest 
How  many  of  the  Achaians  he  has  slain, 
And  what  brave  men.     Nay,  thus  it  should  not  be. 
Great  grief  is  mine  ;  but  Venus  and  the  god 
Phoebus,  who  bears  the  silver  bow,  rejoice  9ss 

To  see  this  lawless  maniac  range  the  field, 
And  urge  him  on.     O  Father  Jupiter, 
Wilt  thou  be  angry  with  me  if  I  drive 
Mars,  sorely  wounded,  from  the  battle-field  ?  " 

The  cloud-compelling  Jupiter  replied  :  —  960 

"  Thou  hast  my  leave  ;  but  send  to  encounter  him 
Pallas  the  spoiler,  who  has  many  a  time 
Brought  grievous  troubles  on  the  god  of  war." 

He  spake,  and  white-armed  Juno  instantly 


Book   V.  145 

Obeyed  him.  With  the  scourge  she  lashed  the  steeds, 
And  not  unwillingly  they  flew  between  966 

Earth  and  the  starry  heaven.     As  much  of  space 
As  one  who  gazes  on  the  dark-blue  deep 
Sees  from  the  headland  summit  where  he  sits  — 
Such  space  the  coursers  of  immortal  breed  970 

Cleared  at  each  bound  they  made  with  sounding 

hoofs  ; 

And  when  they  came  to  Ilium  and  its  streams, 
Where  Simoi's  and  Scamander's  channels  meet, 
The  white-armed  goddess  Juno  stayed  their  speed, 
And  loosed  them  from  the  yoke,  and  covered  them 
With  darkness.     Simoi's  ministered,  meanwhile,    976 
The  ambrosial  pasturage  on  which  they  fed. 

On  went  the  goddesses,  with  step  as  light 
As  timid  doves,  and  hastened  toward  the  field 
To  aid  the  Achaian  army.     When  they  came         980 
W'here  fought  the  bravest  warriors  in  a  throng 
Around  the  great  horse-tamer  Diomed, 
Like  ravenous  lions  or  wild  boars  whose  rage 
Is  terrible,  the  white-armed  goddess  stood, 
And  called  aloud,  —  for  now  she  wore  the  form    983 
Of  gallant  Stentor,  in  whose  brazen  voice 
Was  heard  a  shout  like  that  of  fifty  men  :  — 

"Shame  on  you,  Argives,  —  wretches,  who  in  form, 
And  form  alone,  are  heroes.     While  we  yet 
Had  great  Achilles  in  the  war,  the  men  990 

Of  Ilium  dared  not  pass  beyond  their  gates, 
So  much  they  feared  his  mighty  spear ;  but  now 


146  The  Iliad. 

They  push  the  battle  to  our  hollow  ships, 

Far  from  the  town."     As  thus  the  goddess  spake, 

New  strength  and  courage  woke  in  every  breast.   995 

Then  blue-eyed  Pallas  hastened  to  the  son 
Of  Tydeus.     By  his  steeds  she  found  the  king, 
And  by  his  chariot,  as  he  cooled  the  wound 
Made  by  the  shaft  of  Pandarus.      The  sweat 
Beneath  the  ample  band  of  his  round  shield         i<x» 
Had  weakened  him,  and  weary  was  his  arm. 
He  raised  the  band,  and  from  the  wounded  limb 
Wiped  off  the  clotted  blood.     The  goddess  laid 
Her  hand  upon  the  chariot-yoke,  and  said  :  — 

"Tydeus  hath  left  a  son  unlike  himself;  >oo3 

For  he,  though  low  in  stature,  was  most  brave  ; 
And  when  he  went,  an  envoy  and  alone, 
To  Thebes,  the  populous  Cadmean  town, 
And  I,  enjoining  him  to  keep  aloof 
From  wars  and  rash  encounters,  bade  him  sit       1010 
Quietly  at  the  feasts  in  palace-halls, 
Still,  to  his  valiant  temper  true,  he  gave 
Challenges  to  the  Theban  youths,  and  won 
The  prize  with  ease  in  all  their  games,  such  aid 
I  gave  him.     Now  I  stand  by  thee  in  turn,  .0.5 

Protect  thee,  and  exhort  thee  manfully 
To  fight  against  the  Trojans  ;  but  to-day 
Either  the  weariness  of  toil  unnerves 
Thy  frame,  or  withering  fear  besets  thy  heart. 
Henceforth  we  cannot  deem  thee,  as  of  late,         10*? 
The  offspring  of  CEnides  skilled  in  war." 


Book   V.  147 

And  then  the  valiant  Diomed  replied  :  — 
"  I  know  thee,  goddess,  daughter  of  great  Jove 
The  yEgis-bearer ;  therefore  will  I  speak 
Freely  and  keep  back  nothing.     No  base  fear      1025 
Unmans  me,  nor  desire  of  ease  ;  but  well 
I  bear  in  mind  the  mandate  thou  hast  given. 
Thou  didst  forbid  me  to  contend  with  gods, 
Except  that  if  Jove's  daughter,  Venus,  joined 
The  battle,  I  might  wound  her  with  my  spear.     toy 
But  now  I  have  withdrawn,  and  given  command 
That  all  the  Greeks  come  hither  ;  for  I  see 
That  Mars  is  in  the  field  and  leads  the  war." 

Again  the  blue-eyed  Pallas,  answering,  said  :-- 
"  Tydides  Diomed,  most  dear  of  men,  "« 

Nay,  fear  thou  nothing  from  this  Mars,  nor  yet 
From  any  other  of  the  gods  ;  for  I 
Will  be  thy  sure  defence.     First  urge  thy  course 
Full  against  Mars,  with  thy  firm-footed  steeds. 
Engage  him  hand  to  hand  ;  respect  him  not,  —  *°4° 
The  fiery,  frantic  Mars,  the  unnatural  plague 
Of  man,  the  fickle  god,  who  promised  me 
And  Juno,  lately,  to  take  part  with  us 
Against  the  Trojans  and  befriend  the  Greeks. 
Now  he  forgets,  and  joins  the  sons  of  Troy."        w 

She  spake,  and  laid  her  hand  on  Sthenelus, 
To  draw  him  from  the  horses  ;  instantly 
He  leaped  to  earth  ;  the  indignant  deity 
Took  by  the  side  of  Diomed  her  place  ; 
The  beechen  axle  groaned  beneath  the  weight      i"s» 


148  The  Iliad. 

Of  that  great  goddess  and  that  man  of  might. 

Then  Pallas  seized  the  lash  and  caught  the  reins, 

And,  urging  the  firm-footed  coursers,  drave 

Full  against  Mars,  who  at  that  moment  slew 

Huge  Periphas,  the  mightiest  one  of  all  ,<,.-, 

The  yEtolian  band,  —  Ochesius'  famous  son. 

While  bloody-handed  Mars  was  busy  yet 

About  the  slain,  Minerva  hid  her  face 

In  Pluto's  helmet,  that  the  god  might  fail 

To  see  her.     As  that  curse  of  humankind  -060 

Beheld  the  approach  of  noble  Diomed, 

He  left  the  corpse  of  Periphas  unspoiled 

Where  he  had  fallen,  and  where  he  breathed  his 

last, 

And  came  in  haste  to  meet  the  Grecian  knight. 
And  now,  when  they  were  near,  and  face  to  face,^ 
Mars  o'er  the  chariot-yoke  and  horses'  reins 
First  hurled  his  brazen  spear,  in  hope  to  take 
His  enemy's  life  ;  but  Pallas  with  her  hand 
Caught  it  and  turned  it,  so  that  it  flew  by 
And  gave  no  wound.     The  valiant  Diomed          1070 
Made  with  his  brazen  spear  the  next  assault, 
And  Pallas  guided  it  to  strike  the  waist 
Where  girded  by  the  baldric.     In  that  part 
She  wounded  Mars,  and  tore  the  shining  skin, 
And  drew  the  weapon  back.     The  furious  god     107= 
Uttered  a  cry  as  of  nine  thousand  men, 
Or  of  ten  thousand,  rushing  to  the  fight. 
The  Greeks  and  Trojans  stood  aghast  with  fear, 


Book   V.  H9 

To  hear  that  terrible  cry  of  him  whose  thirst 

Of  bloodshed  never  is  appeased  by  blood.  «*. 

As  when,  in  time  of  heat,  the  air  is  filled 
With  a  black  shadow  from  the  gathering  clouds 
And  the  strong-blowing  wind,  so  furious  Mars 
Appeared  to  Diomed,  as  in  a  cloud 
He  rose  to  the  broad  heaven  and  to  the  home     .<** 
Of  gods  on  high  Olympus.     Near  to  Jove 
He  took  his  seat  in  bitter  grief,  and  showed 
The  immortal  blood  still  dropping  from  his  wound, 
And  thus,  with  winged  words,  complaining  said  :  — 

"  O  Father  Jupiter !  does  not  thy  wrath  1090 

Rise  at  these  violent  deeds  ?     'T  is  ever  thus 
That  we,  the  gods,  must  surfer  grievously 
From  our  own  rivalry  in  favoring  man  ; 
And  yet  the  blame  of  all  this  strife  is  thine, 
For  thou  hast  a  mad  daughter,  ever  wrong,  T095 

And  ever  bent  on  mischief.     All  the  rest 
Of  the  immortals  dwelling  on  this  mount 
Obey  thee  and  are  subject  to  thy  will. 
Her  only  thou  hast  never  yet  restrained 
By  word  or  act,  but  dost  indulge  her  freaks          »oo 
Because  the  pestilent  creature  is  thy  child. 
And  now  she  moves  the  insolent  Diomed 
To  raise  his  hand  against  the  immortal  gods. 
And  first  he  wounded  Venus  in  the  wrist, 
Contending  hand  to  hand  ;  and  then  he  sought    "oS 
To  encounter  me  in  arms,  as  if  he  were 
The  equal  of  a  god.     My  own  swift  feet 


150  The  Iliad. 

Carried  me  thence,  else  might  I  long  have  lain, 

In  anguish,  under  heaps  of  carcasses, 

Or  helplessly  been  mangled  by  his  sword."  mo 

The  Cloud-compeller,  Jove,  replied,  and  frowned  •. 
"  Come  not  to  me,  thou  changeling,  to  complain. 
Of  all  the  gods  upon  the  Olympian  mount 
I  like  thee  least,  who  ever  dost  delight 
In  broils  and  wars  and  battles.     Thou  art  like     «is 
Thy  mother  Juno,  headstrong  and  perverse. 
Her  I  can  scarcely  rule  by  strict  commands, 
And  what  thou  sufferest  now,  I  deem,  is  due 
To  her  bad  counsels.     Yet 't  is  not  my  will 
That  thou  shouldst  suffer  longer,  who  dost  share  »*• 
My  lineage,  whom  thy  mother  bore  to  me. 
But  wert  thou  born,  destroyer  as  thou  art, 
To  any  other  god,  thou  hadst  long  since 
Lain  lower  than  the  sons  of  Uranus." 

So  spake  he,  and  to  Peeon  gave  command         ^5 
To  heal  the  wound  ;  and  Pceon  bathed  the  part 
With  pain-dispelling  balsams,  and  it  healed  ; 
For  Mars  was  not  to  die.     As,  when  the  juice 
Of  figs  is  mingled  with  white  milk  and  stirred, 
The  liquid  gathers  into  clots  while  yet  "30 

It  whirls  with  the  swift  motion,  so  was  healed 
The  wound  of  violent  Mars.     Then  Hebe  bathed 
The  god,  and  robed  him  richly,  and  he  took 
His  seat,  delighted,  by  Saturnian  Jove. 

Now,  having  forced  thefcurse  of  nations,  Mars.  n»-> 
To  pause  from  slaughter,  Argive  Juno  came, 


Book  17. 

With  Pallas,  hei  invincible  ally, 
Back  to  the  mansion  of  imperial  Jove. 


BOOK    VI. 

NOW  from  that  stubborn  conflict  of  the  Greeks 
And  Trojans  had  the  gods  withdrawn.     The 

fight 

Of  men  encountering  men  with  brazen  spears 
Still  raged  from  place  to  place  upon  the  plain 
Between  the  Xanthus  and  the  Simoi's.  s 

And  first  of  all  did  Ajax  Telamon, 
The  bulwark  of  the  Achaians,  break  the  ranks 
Of  Troy  and  raise  the  hopes  of  those  who  fought 
Beside  him  ;  for  he  smote  the  bravest  man 
Of  all  the  Thracian  warriors,  —  Acamas,  ><> 

Son  of  Eussorus,  strong  and  large  of  limb. 
His  spear-head,  through  the  plumed  helmet's  cone 
Entering  the  forehead  of  the  Thracian,  pierced 
The  bone,  and  darkness  gathered  o'er  his  eyes. 
The  valiant  Diomed  slew  Axylus,  *s 

The  son  of  Teuthras.     To  the  war  he  came 
From  nobly-built  Arisba  ;  great  his  wealth, 
And  greatly  was  he  loved,  for  courteously 
He  welcomed  to  his  house  beside  the  way 
All  comers.     None  of  these  could  interpose  -° 

Between  him  and  his  death,  for  Diomed 


152  The  Iliad. 

Slew  him  and  his  attendant  charioteer, 
Calysius  ;  both  went  down  below  the  earth. 
And  then  Euryalus  struck  Uresus  down, 
And  smote  Opheltius,  and  went  on  to  slay 
^Ksepus  and  his  brother  Pedasus  ;  — 
A  river-nymph,  Abarbarei'a,  bore 
Both  children  to  Bucolion  the  renowned. 
Bucolion  was  the  eldest  of  the  sons 
Of  great  Laomedon.     His  mother  reared  y 

The  boy  in  secret.     While  he  fed  his  sheep, 
He  with  the  river-nymph  was  joined  in  love 
And  marriage,  and  she  bore  him  twins  ;  and  these, 
Brave  and  of  shapely  limb,  Mecisteus'  son 
Struck  down,  and  from  their  shoulders  tore  the  mail. 
The  warlike  Polypcetes  overthrew  * 

Astyalus  ;  Ulysses  smote  to  earth 
Pidytes  the  Percosian  with  the  spear, 
And  Teucer  Aretaon,  nobly  born. 
The  glittering  javelin  of  Antilochus,  4» 

The  Fon  of  Nestor,  laid  Ablerus  low  ; 
And  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,  struck  down 
Elatus,  who  on  lofty  Pedasus 
Dwelt,  by  the  smoothly  flowing  Satnio's  stream* 
Brave  Le'itus  slew  Phylacus  in  flight,  45 

And  by  Eurypylus  Melanthius  fell. 
Then  valiant  Menelaus  took  alive 
Adrastus,  whose  two  coursers,  as  they  scoured 
The  plain  in  terror,  struck  against  a  branch 
Of  tamarisk,  and,  there  entangled,  snapped  ^ 


Book   VI.  153 

The  chariot  pole,  and,  breaking  from  it,  fled 
Whither  were  others  fleeing.     From  the  car 
Adrastus  to  the  dust  beside  the  wheel 
Fell,  on  his  face.     There,  lifting  his  huge  spear, 
Atrides  Menelaus  o'er  him  stood.  55 

Adrastus  clasped  the  warrior's  knees  and  said  :  — 

"  O  son  of  Atreus,  take  me  prisoner, 
And  thou  shalt  have  large  ransom.     In  the  house 
Of  my  rich  father  ample  treasures  lie,  — 
Brass,  gold,  and  tempered  steel,  —  and  he  shall  send 
Gifts  without  end  when  he  shall  hear  that  I  <» 

Am  spared  alive  and  in  the  Grecian  fleet." 

He  spake,  and  moved  the  conqueror,  who  now 
Was  minded  to  give  charge  that  one  among 
His  comrades  to  the  Grecian  fleet  should  lead       65 
The  captive.     Agamemnon  came  in  haste, 
And,  lifting  up  his  voice,  rebuked  him  thus  :  — 

"  O  Menelaus,  soft  of  heart,  why  thus 
Art  thou  concerned  for  men  like  these  ?     In  sooth, 
Great  are  the  benefits  thy  household  owes  ?o 

The  Trojans.     Nay,  let  none  of  them  escape 
The  doom  of  swift  destruction  by  our  hands. 
The  very  babe  within  his  mother's  womb, 
Even  that  must  die,  and  all  of  Ilium  born 
Perish  unburied,  utterly  cut  off."  ?; 

He  spake  ;  the  timely  admonition  changed 
The  purpose  of  his  brother,  who  thrust  back 
The  suppliant  hero  with  his  hand  ;  and  then 
King  Agamemnon  smote  him  through  the  loins, 
7* 


154  Me  Iliad. 

And  prone  on  earth  he  fell.     Upon  the  breast        so 
Of  the  slain  man  Atrides  placed  his  heel, 
And  from  the  body  drew  the  ashen  spear. 

Then  Nestor  to  the  Argives  called  aloud  :  — 
"  Friends,  Grecian  heroes,  ministers  of  Mars  ! 
Let  no  man  here  through  eagerness  for  spoil  ^ 

Linger  behind  the  rest,  that  he  may  beat- 
Much  plunder  to  the  ships  ;  but  let  us  first 
Strike  down  our  enemies,  and  afterward 
At  leisure  strip  the  bodies  of  the  dead." 

Thus  speaking,  he  revived  in  every  breast          9° 
Courage  and  zeal.     Then  had  the  men  of  Troy 
Sought  refuge  from  the  Greeks  within  their  walls, 
O'ercome  by  abject  fear,  if  Helenus, 
The  son  of  Priam,  and  of  highest  note 
Among  the  augurs,  had  not  made  his  way  95 

To  Hector  and  ^Eneas,  speaking  thus  :  — 

"  O  Hector  and  .^Eneas,  since  on  you 
Is  laid  the  mighty  labor  to  command 
The  Trojans  and  the  Lycians,  —  for  the  first 
Are  ye  in  battle,  and  in  council  first,  —  •«> 

Here  make  your  stand,  and  haste  from  side  to  side, 
Rallying  your  scattered  ranks,  lest  they  betake 
Themselves  to  flight,  and,  rushing  to  their  wives, 
Become  the  scorn  and  laughter  of  the  foe. 
And  then,  so  soon  as  ye  shall  have  revived  >«5 

The  courage  of  your  men,  we  here  will  bide 
The  conflictwith  the  Greeks,  though  closely  pressed ; 
For  so  we  must.     But,  Hector,  thou  depart 


Book    VI.  155 

To  Troy  and  seek  the  mother  of  us  both, 

And  bid  her  call  the  honored  Trojan  dames          no 

To  where  the  blue-eyed  Pallas  has  her  fane, 

In  the  high  citadel,  and  with  a  key 

Open  the  hallowed  doors,  and  let  her  bring 

What  she  shall  deem  the  fairest  of  the  robes, 

And  amplest,  in  her  palace,  and  the  one 

She  prizes  most,  and  lay  it  on  the  knees 

Of  the  bright-haired  Minerva.     Let  her  make 

A  vow  to  offer  to  the  goddess  there 

Twelve  yearling  heifers  that  have  never  borne 

The  yoke,  if  she  in  mercy  will  regard  i*> 

The  city,  and  the  wives  and  little  ones 

Of  its  defenders  ;  if  she  will  protect 

Our  sacred  Ilium  from  the  ruthless  son 

Of  Tydeus,  from  whose  valor  armies  flee, 

And  whom  I  deem  the  bravest  of  the  Greeks.        125 

For  not  so  greatly  have  we  held  in  dread 

Achilles,  the  great  leader,  whom  they  call 

The  goddess-born  ;  but  terrible  in  wrath 

Is  Diomed,  nor  hath  his  peer  in  might." 

He  spake,  and  Hector  of  his  brother's  words     13' 
Was  not  unmindful.      Instantly  he  leaped, 
Armed,  from  his  chariot,  shaking  his  sharp  spears ; 
And  everywhere  among  the  host  he  went, 
Exhorting  them  to  combat  manfully  ; 
And  thus  he  kindled  the  fierce  fight  anew.  135 

They,  turning  from  the  flight,  withstood  the  Greeks. 
The  Greeks  fell  back  and   ceased  to  slay  ;  they 
thoueht 


156  The  Iliad. 

That  one  of  the  immortals  had  come  down 
From  out  the  starry  heaven  to  help  the  men 
Of  Troy,  so  suddenly  they  turned  and  fought.        M« 
Then  Hector  to  the  Trojans  called  aloud  :  — 

"  O  valiant  sons  of  Troy,  and  ye  allies 
Summoned  from  far !    Be  men,  my  friends  ;  call  back 
Your  wonted  valor,  while  I  go  to  Troy 
To  ask  the  aged  men,  our  counsellors,  145 

And  all  our  wives,  to  come  before  the  gods 
And  pray  and  offer  vows  of  sacrifice." 

So  the  plumed  Hector  spake,  and  then  withdrew, 
While  the  black  fell  that  edged  his  bossy  shield 
Struck  on  his  neck  and  ankles  as  he  went.  150 

Now  came  into  the  midst  between  the  hosts 
Glaucus,  the  offspring  of  Hippolochus, 
And  met  the  son  of  Tydeus,  — both  intent 
On  combat.     But  when  now  the  twain  were  near, 
And  ready  to  engage,  brave  Diomed 
Spake  first,  and  thus  addressed  his  enemy  :  — 

"Who  mayst  thou  be,  of  mortal  men?    Most  brave 
Art  thou,  yet  never  in  the  glorious  fight 
Have  I  beheld  thee.     Thou  surpassest  now 
All  others  in  thy  daring,  since  thou  com'st  ><» 

Within  the  reach  of  my  long  spear.     The  sons 
Of  most  unhappy  men  are  they  who  meet 
My  arm  ;  but  — ,  if  thou  comest  from  above, 
A  god  —  I  war  not  with  the  gods  of  heaven  ; 
For  even  brave  Lycurgus  lived  not  long,  ^ 

The  son  of  Dryas,  who  engaged  in  strife 


Book   VI.  157 

With  the  celestial  gods.     He  once  pursued 

The  nurses  of  the  frantic  Bacchus  through 

The  hallowed  ground  of  Nyssa.     All  at  once 

They  flung  to  earth  their  sacred  implements,         170 

Lycurgus  the  man-slayer  beating  them 

With  an  ox-driver's  goad.     Then  Bacchus  fled 

And  plunged  into  the  sea,  where  Thetis  hid 

The  trembler  in  her  bosom,  for  he  shook 

With  panic  at  the  hero's  angry  threats.  »?s 

Thenceforward  were  the  blessed  deities 

Wroth  with  Lycurgus.     Him  did  Saturn's  son 

Strike  blind,  and  after  that  he  lived  not  long, 

For  he  was  held  in  hate  by  all  the  gods. 

So  will  I  never  with  the  gods  contend.  ia> 

But  if  thou  be  indeed  of  mortal  race, 

And  nourished  by  the  fruits  of  earth,  draw  near  ; 

And  quickly  shalt  thou  pass  the  gates  of  death." 

Hippolochus's  son,  the  far-renowned, 
Made  answer  thus  :  "  O  large-souled  Diomed,       ^ 
Why  ask  my  lineage  ?     Like  the  race  of  leaves 
Is  that  of  humankind.     Upon  the  ground 
The  winds  strew  one  year's  leaves  ;  the  sprouting 

grove 

Puts  forth  another  brood,  that  shoot  and  grow 
In  the  spring  season.     So  it  is  with  man  :  w 

One  generation  grows  while  one  decays. 
Yet  since  thou  takest  heed  of  things  like  these, 
And  askest  whence  I  sprang,  —  although  to  most 
My  birth  is  not  unknown,  —  there  is  a  town 


158  The  Iliad. 

Lapped   in  the  pasture-grounds    where  graze   the 
steeds  in" 

Of  Argos,  Ephyra  by  name,  and  there 
Dwelt  Sisyphus  yEolides,  most  shrewd 
Of  men  ;  his  son  was  Glaucus,  and  the  son 
Of  Glaucus  was  the  good  Bellerophon, 
To  whom  the  gods  gave  beauty  and  the  grace       **> 
Of  winning  manners.     Proetus  sought  his  death 
And  banished  him,  for  Proetus  was  the  chief 
Among  the  Argives  ;  Jupiter  had  made 
That  people  subject  to  his  rule.     The  wife 
Of  Proetus,  nobly-born  Anteia,  sought  ** 

With  passionate  desire  his  secret  love, 
But  failed  to  entice,  with  all  her  blandishments, 
The  virtuous  and  discreet  Bellerophon. 
Therefore  went  she  to  Proetus  with  a  lie,  — 

"  '  Die,  Prcetus,  thou,  or  put  Bellerophon 
To  death,  for  he  has  offered  force  to  me.' 

"The  monarch   hearkened,  and  was   moved  to 

wrath  ; 

And  then  he  would  not  slay  him,  for  his  soul 
Revolted  at  the  deed  ;  he  sent  him  thence 
To  Lycia,  with  a  fatal  tablet,  sealed,  215 

With  things  of  deadly  import  writ  therein, 
Meant  for  Anteia's  father,  in  whose  hand 
Bellerophon  must  place  it,  and  be  made 
To  perish.     So  at  Lycia  he  arrived 
Under  the  favoring  guidance  of  the  gods  ; 
And  when  he  came  where  Lycian  Xanthus  flows, 


Book   VI.  159 

The  king  of  that  broad  realm  received  his  guest 

With  hospitable  welcome,  feasting  him 

Nine  days,  and  offering  up  in  sacrifice 

Nine  oxen.     But  when  rosy-fingered  Morn     •        225 

Appeared  for  the  tenth  time,  he  questioned  him 

And  bade  him  show  the  token  he  had  brought 

From  Prcetus.     When  the  monarch  had  beheld 

The  fatal  tablet  from  his  son-in-law, 

The  first  command  he  gave  him  was,  to  slay         230 

Heaven-born  Chimaera,  the  invincible. 

No  human  form  was  hers  :  a  lion  she 

In  front,  a  dragon  in  the  hinder  parts, 

And  in  the  midst  a  goat,  and  terribly 

Her  nostrils  breathed  a  fierce,  consuming  flame  ;  235 

Yet,  trusting  in  the  portents  of  the  gods, 

He  slew  her.     Then  it  was  his  second  task 

To  combat  with  the  illustrious  Solymi,  — 

The  hardest  battle  he  had  ever  fought  — 

So  he  declared  —  with  men  ;  and  then  he  slew  — 

His  third  exploit  —  the  man-like  Amazons.  24* 

Then  he  returned  to  Lycia  ;  on  his  way 

The  monarch  laid  a  treacherous  snare.     He  chose 

From  his  wide  Lycian  realm  the  bravest  men 

To  lie  in  ambush  for  him.     Never  one  =>4s 

Of  these  came  home  again,  —  Bellerophon 

The  matchless  slew  them  all.      And  when  the  king 

Saw  that  he  was  the  offspring  of  a  god, 

He  kept  him  near  him,  giving  him  to  wife 

His  daughter,  and  dividing  with  him  all  *s<> 


160  The  Iliad. 

His  kingly  honors,  while  the  Lycians  set 

Their  richest  fields  apart  —  a  goodly  spot, 

Ploughlands  and  vineyards  —  for  the  prince  to  till. 

And  she  who  now  became  his  wife  brought  forth 

Three  children  to  the  sage  Bellerophon, —  25 

Isandrus  and  Hippolochus ;  and,  last, 

Laodameia,  who  in  secret  bore 

To  all-providing  Jupiter  a  son,  — 

Godlike  Sarpedon,  eminent  in  arms. 

But  when  Bellerophon  upon  himself  * 

Had  drawn  the  anger  of  the  gods,  he  roamed 

The  Alcian  fields  alone,  a  prey  to  thoughts 

That  wasted  him,  and  shunning  every  haunt 

Of  humankind.     The  god  whose  lust  of  strife 

Is  never  sated,  Mars,  cut  off  his  son  *> 

Isandrus,  warring  with  the  illustrious  race 

Of  Solymi ;  and  Dian,  she  who  guides 

Her  car  with  golden  reins,  in  anger  slew 

His  daughter.     I  am  of  Hippolochus  ; 

From  him  I  claim  my  birth.     He  sent  me  forth 

To  Troy  with  many  counsels  and  commands, 

Ever  to  bear  myself  like  a  brave  man, 

And  labor  to  excel,  and  never  bring 

Dishonor  on  the  stock  from  which  I  sprang,  — 

The  bravest  stock  by  far  in  Ephyra  =7 

And  the  wide  realm  of  Lycia.     'T  is  my  boast 

To  be  of  such  a  race  and  such  a  blood." 

He  spake.     The  warlike  Uiomed  was  glad, 
And,  planting  in  the  foodful  earth  his  spear, 


Book    VI.  161 

Addressed  the  people's  shepherd  blandly  thus  :  — 

"  Most  surely  thou  art  my  ancestral  guest ;        ^ 
For  noble  CEneus  once  within  his  halls 
Received  the  blameless  chief  Bellerophon, 
And  kept  him  twenty  days,  and  they  bestowed 
Gifts  on  each  other,  such  as  host  and  guest  **• 

Exchange  ;  a  purple  baldric  CEneus  gave 
Of  dazzling  color,  and  Bellerophon 
A  double  golden  goblet ;  this  I  left 
Within  my  palace  when  I  came  to  Troy. 
Of  Tydeus  I  remember  nothing,  since  *» 

He  left  me,  yet  a  little  child,  and  went 
To  Thebes,  where  perished  such  a  host  of  Greeks. 
Henceforward  I  will  be  thy  host  and  friend 
In  Argos ;  thou  shalt  be  the  same  to  me 
In  Lycia  when  I  visit  Lycia's  towns  ;  295 

And  let  us  in  the  tumult  of  the  fray 
Avoid  each  other's  spears,  for  there  will  be 
Of  Trojans  and  of  their  renowned  allies 
Enough  for  me  to  slay  whene'er  a  god 
Shall  bring  them  in  my  way.     In  turn  for  thee      300 
Are  many  Greeks  to  smite  whomever  thou 
Canst  overcome.     Let  us  exchange  our  arms, 
That  even  these  may  see  that  thou  and  I 
Regard  each  other  as  ancestral  guests." 

Thus  having  said,  and  leaping  from  their  cars,  305 
They  clasped  each  other's  hands  and  pledged  their 

faith. 
Then  did  the  son  of  Saturn  take  away 


1 62  The  Iliad. 

The  judging  mind  of  Glaucus,  when  he  gave 
His  arms  of  gold  away  for  arms  of  brass 
Worn  by  Tydides  Diomed,  —  the  worth  310 

Of  fivescore  oxen  for  the  worth  of  nine. 

And  now  had  Hector  reached  the  Scaean  gates 
And  beechen  tree.     Around  him  flocked  the  wives 
And  daughters  of  the  Trojans  eagerly  ; 
Tidings  of  sons  and  brothers  they  required,  315 

And  friends  and  husbands.     He  admonished  all 
Duly  to  importune  the  gods  in  prayer, 
For  woe,  he  said,  was  near  to  many  a  one. 

And  then  he  came  to  Priam's  noble  hall,  — 
A  palace  built  with  graceful  porticos,  3=° 

And  fifty  chambers  near  each  other,  walled 
With  polished  stone,  the  rooms  of  Priam's  sons 
And  of  their  wives  ;  and  opposite  to  these 
Twelve  chambers  for  his  daughters,  also  near 
Each  other  ;  and,  with  polished  marble  walls,       vs 
The  sleeping-rooms  of  Priam's  sons-in-law 
And  their  unblemished  consorts.     There  he  met 
His  gentle  mother  on  her  way  to  seek 
Her  fairest  child,  Laodice.     She  took  329 

His  hand  and  held  it  fast,  while  thus  she  spake  :  — 

"  Why  art  thou  come,  my  child,  and  why  hast  left 
The  raging  fight  ?     Full  hard  these  hateful  Greeks 
Press  us,  in  fighting  round  the  city-walls. 
Thy  heart,  I  know,  hath  moved  thee  to  repair 
To  our  high  citadel,  and  lift  thy  hands  335 

In  prayer  to  Jupiter.     But  stay  thou  here 


Book    VL  163 

Till  I  bring  pleasant  wine,  that  thou  mayst  pour 
A  part  to  Jove  and  to  the  other  gods, 
And  drink  and  be  refreshed  ;  for  wine  restores 
Strength  to  the  weary,  and  I  know  that  thou          340 
Art  weary,  fighting  for  thy  countrymen." 

Great  Hector  of  the  crested  helm  replied  :  — 
"  My  honored  mother,  bring  not  pleasant  wine, 
Lest  that  unman  me,  and  my  wonted  might 
And  valor  leave  me.     I  should  fear  to  pour  345 

Dark  wine  to  Jupiter  with  hands  unwashed. 
Nor  is  it  fitting  that  a  man  like  me, 
Defiled  with  blood  and  battle-dust,  should  make 
Vows  to  the  cloud-compeller,  Saturn's  son. 
But  thou,  with  incense,  seek  the  temple  reared      350 
To  Pallas  the  despoiler,  —  calling  first 
Our  honored  dames  together.     Take  with  thee 
What  thou  shalt  deem  the  fairest  of  the  robes, 
And  amplest,  in  thy  palace,  and  the  one 
Thou  prizest  most,  and  lay  it  on  the  knees  *?,s 

Of  the  bright-haired  Minerva.     Make  a  vow 
To  offer  to  the  goddess  in  her  fane 
Twelve  yearling  heifers  that  have  never  borne 
The  yoke,  if  she  in  mercy  will  regard 
The  city,  and  the  wives  and  little  ones 
Of  its  defenders  ;  if  she  will  protect 
Our  sacred  Ilium  from  the  ruthless  son 
Of  Tydeus,  from  whose  valor  armies  flee. 
So  to  the  shrine  of  Pallas,  warrior-queen, 
Do  thou  repair,  while  I  depart  to  sec1.:  3^ 


1 64  The  Iliad. 

Paris,  if  he  will  listen  to  my  voice. 

Would  that  the  earth  might  open  where  he  stands, 

And  swallow  him  !     Olympian  Jupiter 

Reared  him  to  be  the  bane  of  all  who  dwell 

In  Troy,  to  large-souled  Priam  and  his  sons.         rt 

Could  I  behold  him  sinking  to  the  shades, 

My  heart  would  lose  its  sense  of  bitter  woe." 

He  spake.     His  mother,  turning  homeward,  gave 
Charge  to  her  handmaids,  who  through  all  the  town 
Passed,  summoning  the  matrons,  while  the  queen  375 
Descended  to  her  chamber,  where  the  air 
Was  sweet  with  perfumes,  and  in  which  were  laid 
Her  rich  embroidered  robes,  the  handiwork 
Of  Sidon's  damsels,  whom  her  son  had  brought  — 
The  godlike  Alexander  —  from  the  coast  380 

Of  Sidon,  when  across  the  mighty  deep 
He  sailed  and  brought  the  high-born  Helen  thence. 
One  robe,  most  beautiful  of  all,  she  chose, 
To  bring  to  Pallas,  ampler  than  the  rest, 
And  many-hued  ;  it  glistened  like  a  star,  385 

And  lay  beneath  them  all.     Then  hastily 
She  left  the  chamber  with  the  matron  train. 

They  reached  Minerva's  temple,  and  its  gates 
Were  opened  by  Theano,  rosy-cheeked, 
The  knight  Antenor's  wife  and  Cisseus'  child,       390 
Made  priestess  to  the  goddess  by  the  sons 
Of  Troy.     Then  all  the  matrons  lifted  up 
Their  voices  and  stretched  forth  their  suppliant  hands 
To  Pallas,  while  the  fair  Theano  took 


Book   VI.  165 

The  robe  and  spread  its  folds  upon  the  lap  395 

Of  fair-haired  Pallas,  and  with  solemn  vows 
Prayed  to  the  daughter  of  imperial  Jove  :  — 

"  O  venerated  Pallas,  Guardian-Power 
Of  Troy,  great  goddess  !  shatter  thou  the  lance 
Of  Diomed,  and  let  him  fall  in  death  400 

Before  the  Scaean  gates,  that  we  forthwith 
May  offer  to  thee  in  thy  temple  here 
Twelve  yearling  heifers  that  have  never  worn 
The  yoke,  if  thou  wilt  pity  us  and  spare 
The  wives  of  Trojans  and  their  little  ones."  405 

So  spake  she,  supplicating  ;  but  her  prayer 
Minerva  answered  not ;  and  while  they  made 
Vows  to  the  daughter  of  Almighty  Jove, 
Hector  was  hastening  to  the  sumptuous  home 
Of  Alexander,  which  that  prince  had  built  410 

With  aid  of  the  most  cunning  architects 
In  Troy  the  fruitful,  by  whose  hands  were  made 
The  bed-chamber  and  hall  and  ante-room. 
There  entered  Hector,  dear  to  Jove  ;  he  bore 
In  hand  a  spear  eleven  cubits  long  :  4:5 

The  brazen  spear-head  glittered  brightly,  bound 
With  a  gold  circle.     In  his  room  he  there 
Found  Paris,  busied  with  his  shining  arms, — 
Corselet  and  shield  ;  he  tried  his  curved  bow  ; 
While  Argive  Helen  with  the  attendant  maids       420 
Was  sitting,  and  appointed  each  a  task. 
Hector  beheld,  and  chid  him  sharply  thus  :  — 

"  Strange  man  !  a  fitting  time  indeed  is  this, 


1 66  The  Iliad. 

To  indulge  thy  sullen  humor,  while  in  fight 

Around  our  lofty  walls  the  men  of  Troy  4=5 

Are  perishing,  and  for  thy  sake  the  war 

Is  fiercely  blazing  all  around  our  town. 

Thou  wouldst  thyself  reprove  him,  shouldst  thou  see 

Another  warrior  as  remiss  as  thou 

In  time  of  battle.     Rouse  thee,  then,  and  act,       «° 

Lest  we  behold  our  city  all  in  flames." 

Then  answered  Paris  of  the  godlike  form  :  — 
"  Hector  !  although  thou  justly  chidest  me, 
And  not  beyond  my  due,  yet  let  me  speak. 
Attend  and  hearken.     Not  in  sullen  ness,  43$ 

Nor  angry  with  the  Trojans,  sat  I  here 
Within  my  chamber,  but  that  I  might  give 
A  loose  to  sorrow.     Even  now  my  wife 
With  gentle  speeches  has  besought  of  me 
That  I  return  to  battle  ;  and  to  me  440 

That  seems  the  best,  for  oft  doth  victory 
Change  sides  in  war.     Remain  thou  yet  awhile, 
Till  I  put  on  my  armor  ;  or  go  thou, 
And  I  shall  follow  and  rejoin  thee  soon." 

He  ended.     Hector  of  the  beamy  helm  ^ 

Heard  him,  and  answered  not  ;  but  Helen  spake, 
And  thus  with  soothing  words  addressed  the  chief:  — 

"  Brother-in-law,  —  for  such  thou  art,  though  I 
Am  lost  to  shame,  and  cause  of  many  ills,  — 
Would  that  some  violent  blast  when  I  was  born   45« 
Had  whirled  me  to  the  mountain  wilds,  or  waves 
Of  the  hoarse  sea,  that  they  might  swallow  me, 


Book   VI.  167 

Ere  deeds  like  these  were  done !     But  since  the  gods 

Have  thus  decreed,  why  was  I  not  the  wife 

Of  one  who  bears  a  braver  heart  and  feels  455 

Keenly  the  anger  and  reproach  of  men  ? 

For  Paris  hath  not,  and  will  never  have, 

A  resolute  mind,  and  must  abide  the  effect 

Of  his  own  folly.     Enter  thou  meanwhile, 

My  brother  ;  seat  thee  here,  for  heavily  460 

Must  press  on  thee  the  labors  thou  dost  bear 

For  one  so  vile  as  I,  and  for  the  sake 

Of  guilty  Paris.     An  unhappy  lot, 

By  Jupiter's  appointment,  waits  us  both,  — 

A  theme  of  song  for  men  in  time  to  come."  455 

Great  Hector  of  the  beamy  helm  replied  :  — 
"  Nay,  Helen,  ask  me  not  to  sit ;  thy  speech 
Is  courteous,  but  persuades  me  not.     My  mind 
Is  troubled  for  the  Trojans,  to  whose  aid 
I  hasten,  for  they  miss  me  even  now.  47° 

But  thou  exhort  this  man,  and  bid  him  haste 
To  overtake  me  ere  I  leave  the  town. 
I  go  to  my  own  mansion  first,  to  meet 
My  household,  —  my  dear  wife  and  little  child  ; 
Nor  know  I  whether  I  may  come  once  more         MS 
To  them,  or  whether  the  great  gods  ordain 
That  I  must  perish  by  the  hands  of  Greeks." 

So  spake  the  plumed  Hector,  and  withdrew, 
And  reached  his  pleasant  palace,  but  found  not 
White-armed  Andromache  within,  for  she  <&• 

Was  in  the  tower,  beside  her  little  son 


1 68  The  Iliad. 

And  well-robed  nurse,  and  sorrowed,  shedding  tears. 
And  Hector,  seeing  that  his  blameless  wife 
Was  not  within,  came  forth  again,  and  stood 
Upon  the  threshold  questioning  the  maids.  &* 

"  I  pray  you,  damsels,  tell  me  whither  went 
White-armed  Andromache  ?     Has  she  gone  forth 
To  seek  my  sisters,  or  those  stately  dames, 
My  brothers'  wives  ?     Or  haply  has  she  sought 
The  temple  of  Minerva,  where  are  met  490 

The  other  bright-haired  matrons  of  the  town 
To  supplicate  the  dreaded  deity  ?  " 

Then  said  the  diligent  housewife  in  reply  :  — 
"  Since  thouwilt  have  the  truth,  — thy  wife  is  gone 
Not  to  thy  sisters,  nor  those  stately  dames,  495 

Thy  brothers'  wives  ;  nor  went  she  forth  to  join 
The  other  bright-haired  matrons  of  the  town, 
Where  in  Minerva's  temple  they  are  met 
To  supplicate  the  dreaded  deity 
But  to  the  lofty  tower  of  Troy  she  went 
When  it  was  told  her  that  the  Trojan  troops 
Lost  heart,  and  that  the  valor  of  the  Greeks 
Prevailed.     She  now  is  hurrying  toward  the  walls, 
Like  one  distracted,  with  her  son  and  nurse." 

So  spake  the  matron.     Hector  left  in  haste       s°i 
The  mansion,  and  retraced  his  way  between 
The  rows  of  stately  dwellings,  traversing 
The  mighty  city.     When  at  length  he  reached 
The  Scaean  gates,  that  issue  on  the  field, 
His  spouse,  the  nobly-dowered  Andromache.         s* 


Book    VI.  169 

Came  forth  to  meet  him,  —  daughter  of  the  prince 
Eetion,  who,  among  the  woody  slopes 
Of  Placos,  in  the  Hypoplacian  town 
Of  Thebe,  ruled  Cilicia  and  her  sons, 
And  gave  his  child  to  Hector  great  in  arms.  s-s 

She  came  attended  by  a  maid,  who  bore 
A  tender  child  —  a  babe  too  young  to  speak  — 
Upon  her  bosom,  —  Hector's  only  son, 
Beautiful  as  a  star,  whom  Hector  called 
Scamandrius,  but  all  else  Astyanax,  —  5=o 

The  city's  lord,  — since  Hector  stood  the  sole 
Defence  of  Troy.     The  father  on  his  child 
Looked  with  a  silent  smile.     Andromache 
Pressed  to  his  side  meanwhile,  and,  all  in  tears, 
Clung  to  his  hand,  and,  thus  beginning,  said  :  —  5=5 
"  Too  brave  !  thy  valor  yet  will  cause  thy  death. 
Thou  hast  no  pity  on  thy  tender  child, 
Nor  me,  unhappy  one,  who  soon  must  be 
Thy  widow.     All  the  Greeks  will  rush  on  thee 
To  take  thy  life.     A  happier  lot  were  mine,  53° 

If  I  must  lose  thee,  to  go  down  to  earth, 
For  I  shall  have  no  hope  when  thou  art  gone,  — 
Nothing  but  sorrow.     Father  have  I  none, 
And  no  dear  mother.     Great  Achilles  slew 
My  father  when  he  sacked  the  populous  town       535 
Of  the  Cilicians,  —  Thebe  with  high  gates. 
T  was  there  he  smote  Eetion,  yet  forbore 
To  make  his  arms  a  spoil  ;  he  dared  not  that, 
But  burned  the  dead  with  his  bright  armor  on. 


170  The  Iliad. 

And  raised  a  mound  above  him.     Mountain-nymphs, 
Daughters  of  aegis-bearing  Jupiter,  541 

Came  to  the  spot  and  planted  it  with  elms. 
Seven  brothers  had  I  in  my  father's  house, 
And  all  went  down  to  Hades  in  one  day. 
Achilles  the  swift-footed  slew  them  all  545 

Among  their  slow-paced  bullocks  and  white  sheep. 
My  mother,  princess  on  the  woody  slopes 
Of  Placos,  with  his  spoils  he  bore  away, 
And  only  for  large  ransom  gave  her  back. 
But  her  Diana,  archer-queen,  struck  down  ss° 

Within  her  father's  palace.     Hector,  thou 
Art  father  and  dear  mother  now  to  me, 
And  brother  and  my  youthful  spouse  besides. 
In  pity  keep  within  the  fortress  here, 
Nor  make  thy  child  an  orphan  nor  thy  wife  555 

A  widow.     Post  thine  army  near  the  place 
Of  the  wild  fig-tree,  where  the  city-walls 
Are  low  and  may  be  scaled.     Thrice  in  the  war 
The  boldest  of  the  foe  have  tried  the  spot,  — 
The  Ajaces  and  the  famed  Idomeneus,  s«o 

The  two  chiefs  born  to  Atreus,  and  the  brave 
Tydides,  whether  counselled  by  some  seer 
Or  prompted  to  the  attempt  by  their  own  minds." 
Then  answered  Hector,  great  in  war  :  "  All  this 
I  bear  in  mind,  dear  wife  ;  but  I  should  stand      56= 
Ashamed  before  the  men  and  long-robed  dames 
Of  Troy,  were  I  to  keep  aloof  and  shun 
The  conflict,  coward-like.     Not  thus  my  heart 


Book   VI.  171 

Prompts  me,  for  greatly  have  I  learned  to  dare 

And  strike  among  the  foremost  sons  of  Troy,        370 

Upholding  my  great  father's  fame  and  mine  ; 

Yet  well  in  my  undoubting  mind  I  know 

The  day  shall  come  in  which  our  sacred  Troy, 

And  Priam,  and  the  people  over  whom 

Spear-bearing  Priam  rules,  shall  perish  all.  575 

But  not  the  sorrows  of  the  Trojan  race, 

Nor  those  of  Hecuba  herself,  nor  those 

Of  royal  Priam,  nor  the  woes  that  wait 

My  brothers  many  and  brave,  —  who  all  at  last, 

Slain  by  the  pitiless  foe,  shall  lie  in  dust,  —  580 

Grieve  me  so  much  as  thine,  when  some  mailed  Greek 

Shall  lead  thee  weeping  hence,  and  take  from  thee 

Thy  day  of  freedom.     Thou  in  Argos  then 

Shalt,  at  another's  bidding,  ply  the  loom, 

And  from  the  fountain  of  Messeis  draw  585 

Water,  or  from  the  Hypereian  spring, 

Constrained  unwilling  by  thy  cruel  lot. 

And  then  shall  some  one  say  who  sees  thee  weep, 

'  This  was  the  wife  of  Hector,  most  renowned 

Of  the  horse-taming  Trojans,  when  they  fought     sy> 

Around  their  city.'     So  shall  some  one  say, 

And  thou  shalt  grieve  the  more,  lamenting  him 

Who  haply  might  have  kept  afar  the  day 

Of  thy  captivity.     O,  let  the  earth 

Be  heaped  above  my  head  in  death  before  595 

I  hear  thy  cries  as  thou  art  borne  away  !  " 

So  speaking,  mighty  Hector  stretched  his  arms 


172  The  Iliad. 

To  take  the  boy  ;  the  boy  shrank  crying  back 

To  his  fair  nurse's  bosom,  scared  to  see 

His  father  helmeted  in  glittering  brass,  eoo 

And  eying  with  affright  the  horse-hair  plume 

That  grimly  nodded  from  the  lofty  crest. 

At  this  both  parents  in  their  fondness  laughed  ; 

And  hastily  the  mighty  Hector  took 

The  helmet  from  his  brow  and  laid  it  down  ^5 

Gleaming  upon  the  ground,  and,  having  kissed 

His  darling  son  and  tossed  him  up  in  play, 

Prayed  thus  to  Jove  and  all  the  gods  of  heaven  :  — 

"  O  Jupiter  and  all  ye  deities, 

Vouchsafe  that  this  my  son  may  yet  become         610 
Among  the  Trojans  eminent  like  me, 
And  nobly  rule  in  Ilium.     May  they  say, 
'  This  man  is  greater  than  his  father  was  ! ' 
When  they  behold  him  from  the  battle-field 
Bring  back  the  bloody  spoil  of  the  slain  foe,  —    615 
That  so  his  mother  may  be  glad  at  heart." 

So  speaking,  to  the  arms  of  his  dear  spouse 
He  gave  the  boy  ;  she  on  her  fragrant  breast 
Received  him,  weeping  as  she  smiled.     The  chief 
Beheld,  and,  moved  with  tender  pity,  smoothed    fc. 
Her  forehead  gently  with  his  hand  and  said  :  — 

"  Sorrow  not  thus,  beloved  one,  for  me. 
No  living  man  can  send  me  to  the  shades 
Before  my  time  ;  no  man  of  woman  born, 
Coward  or  brave,  can  shun  his  destiny.  *-*> 

But  go  thou  home,  and  tend  thy  labors  there,  — 


Rook   VI.  173 

The  web,  the  distaff,  —  and  command  thy  maids 
To  speed  the  work.     The  cares  of  war  pertain 
To  all  men  born  in  Troy,  and  most  to  me." 

Thus  speaking,  mighty  Hector  took  again         63o 
His  helmet,  shadowed  with  the  horse-hair  plume, 
While  homeward  his  beloved  consort  went, 
Oft  looking  back,  and  shedding  many  tears. 
Soon  was  she  in  the  spacious  palace-halls 
Of  the  man-queller  Hector.     There  she  found      634 
A  troop  of  maidens,  —  with  them  all  she  shared 
Her  grief;  and  all  in  his  own  house  bewailed 
The  living  Hector,  whom  they  thought  no  more 
To  see  returning  from  the  battle-field, 
Safe  from  the  rage  and  weapons  of  the  Greeks.     64c 

Nor  waited  Paris  in  his  lofty  halls, 
But  when  he  had  put  on  his  glorious  arms, 
Glittering  with  brass,  he  traversed  with  quick  steps 
The  city  ;  and  as  when  some  courser,  fed 
With  barley  in  the  stall,  and  wont  to  bathe  ^ 

In  some  smooth-flowing  river,  having  snapped 
His  halter,  gayly  scampers  o'er  the  plain, 
And  in  the  pride  of  beauty  bears  aloft 
His  head,  and  gives  his  tossing  mane  to  stream 
Upon  his  shoulders,  while  his  flying  feet  6St 

Bear  him  to  where  the  mares  are  wont  to  graze,  — 
So  came  the  son  of  Priam —  Paris  —  down 
From  lofty  Pergamus  in  glittering  arms, 
And,  glorious  as  the  sun,  held  on  his  way 
Exulting  and  with  rapid  feet.     He  found  e-j 


174  The  Iliad. 

His  noble  brother  Hector  as  he  turned 

To  leave  the  place  in  which  his  wife  and  he 

Had  talked  together.     Alexander  then  — 

Of  godlike  form  —  addressed  his  brother  thus  :  — 

"  My  elder  brother  !  I  have  kept  thee  here        «« 
Waiting,  I  fear,  for  me,  though  much  in  haste, 
And  came  less  quickly  than  thou  didst  desire." 

And  Hector  of  the  plumed  helm  replied  :  — 
"Strange  being,  no  man  justly  can  dispraise 
Thy  martial  deeds,  for  thou  art  truly  brave.  66$ 

But  oft  art  thou  remiss  and  wilt  not  join 
The  combat.     I  am  sad  at  heart  to  hear 
The  Trojans  —  they  who  suffer  for  thy  sake 
A  thousand  hardships  —  speak  so  ill  of  thee. 
Yet  let  us  go  :  we  will  confer  of  this  67o 

Another  time,  if  Jove  should  e'er  vouchsafe 
That  to  the  immortal  gods  of  heaven  we  pour 
In  our  own  halls  the  cup  of  liberty 
When  we  have  chased  the  well-armed  Greeks  from 
Troy." 


BOOK     VII. 

THE  illustrious  Hector  spake,  and  rapidly 
Passed  through  the  gate,  and  with  him  issued 

forth 

His  brother  Alexander,  —  eager,  both, 
For  war  and  combat.     As  when  God  bestows, 


Book   VII.  175 

To  glad  the  long-expecting  mariners,  s 

A  favorable  wind  while  wearily 

They  beat  the  ocean  wich  their  polished  oars, 

Their  arms  all  nerveless  with  their  length  of  toil, — 

Such  to  the  expecting  Trojans  was  the  sight 

Of  the  two  chiefs.     First  Alexander  slew  10 

Menesthius,  who  in  Arne  had  his  home, 

A  son  of  Areithous  the  king. 

Large-eyed  Philomedusa  brought  him  forth 

To  the  mace-bearer  Areithous. 

And  Hector  smote  Eioneus,  the  spear  is 

Piercing  his  neck  beneath  the  brazen  casque, 

And  straightway  he  dropped  lifeless.  Glaucus  then  — 

Son  of  Hippolochus,  and  chief  among 

The  Lycians  —  in  that  fiery  onset  slew 

Iphinoiis,  son  of  Dexius,  with  his  spear. 

It  pierced  the  warrior's  shoulder  as  he  sprang 

To  mount  his  rapid  car,  and  from  the  place 

He  fell  to  earth,  his  limbs  relaxed  in  death 

Now  when  Minerva  of  the  azure  eyes 

Beheld  them  in  the  furious  combat  thus  »s 

Wasting  the  Grecian  host,  she  left  the  peaks 

Of  high  Olympus,  and  came  down  in  haste 

To  sacred  Ilium.     Straight  Apollo  flew 

To  meet  her.  for  he  marked  from  Pergamus 

Her  coming,  and  he  greatly  longed  to  give  30 

The  victory  to  the  Trojans.     As  they  met 

Beside  the  beechen  tree,  the  son  of  Jove, 

The  king  Apollo,  spake  to  Pallas  thus  :  — 


176  The  Iliad. 

"  Why  hast  thou,  daughter  of  imperial  Jove, 
Thus  left  Olympus  in  thine  eager  haste  ?  y 

Seek'st  thou  to  turn  in  favor  of  the  Greeks 
War's  wavering  chances  ?  —  for  I  know  too  well 
Thou  hast  no  pity  when  the  men  of  Troy 
Are  perishing.     But,  if  thou  wilt  give  ear 
To  me,  I  shall  propose  a  better  way.  40 

Cause  we  the  conflict  for  this  day  to  cease, 
And  be  it  afterward  renewed  until 
An  end  be  made  of  Troy,  since  it  hath  pleased 
You,  goddesses,  to  lay  the  city  waste." 

And  blue-eyed  Pallas  answered  :  "  Be  it  so,       45 

0  mighty  Archer.     With  a  like  intent 

1  left  Olympus  for  this  battle-field 

Of  Greeks  and  Trojans.     But  by  what  device 
Think'st  thou  to  bring  the  combat  to  a  pause  ? " 

Then  spake  the  king  Apollo,  son  of  Jove,  *<? 

In  turn  to  Pallas  :  "  Let  us  seek  to  rouse 
The  fiery  spirit  of  the  Trojan  knight 
Hector,  that  he  may  challenge  in  the  field 
Some  Greek  to  meet  him,  singly  and  alone, 
In  mortal  combat.    Then  the  well-armed  Greeks,  ** 
Stung  by  the  bold  defiance,  will  send  forth 
A  champion  against  Priam's  noble  son." 

He  spake.     The  blue-eyed  goddess  gave  assent : 
And  straightway  Helenus,  beloved  son 
Of  Priam,  in  his  secret  mind  perceived  <*> 

The  purpose  of  the  gods  consulting  thus, 
And  came  and  stood  by  Hector's  side  and  said  :  — 


Book    VII.  177 

*"  O  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  and  like  Jove 
In  council,  wilt  thou  hearken  to  my  words 
Who  am  thy  brother  ?     Cause  the  Trojans  all        65 
And  all  the  Greeks  to  sit,  while  thou  shalt  stand 
Proclaiming  challenge  to  the  bravest  man 
Among  the  Achaians  to  contend  with  thee 
In  mortal  combat.     It  is  not  thy  fate 
To  fall  and  perish  yet,  for  thus  have  said  ?° 

The  ever-living  gods,  whose  voice  I  heard." 

He  spake  ;  and  Hector,  hearing  him,  rejoiced, 
And  went  between  the  hosts.     He  bore  his  spear, 
Holding  it  in  the  middle,  and  pressed  back 
The  ranks  of  Trojans,  and  they  all  sat  down.         75 
And  Agamemnon  caused  the  well-armed  Greeks 
To  sit  down  also.     Meantime  Pallas  sat, 
With  Phoebus  of  the  silver  bow,  in  shape 
Like  vultures,  on  the  boughs  of  the  tall  beech,  — 
The  tree  of  Father  Jupiter  who  bears  &> 

The  fegis,  —  and  they  looked  with  great  delight 
Upon  the  array  of  warriors  in  thick  rows, 
Horrid  with  shields  and  helms  and  bristling  spears. 
As  when  the  west  wind,  rising  fresh,  breathes  o'er 
The  deep,  and  darkens  all  its  face  with  waves,       »s 
So  seemed  the  Greeks  and  Trojans  as  they  sat 
In  ranks  upon  the  field,  while  Hector  stood 
Between  the  armies  and  bespake  them  thus  :  — 

"Ye  Trojans,  and  ye  well-armed  Greeks,  give  ear 
To  what  my  spirit  bids  me  speak.      The  son  9° 

Of  Saturn,  throned  on  high,  hath  not  vouchsafed 
8* 


178  The  Iliad. 

To  ratify  the  treaty  we  have  made, 

But  meditates  new  miseries  for  us  both, 

Till  ye  possess  the  towery  city  of  Troy, 

Or,  vanquished,  yield  yourselves  beside  the  barks    95 

That  brought  you  o'er  the  sea.     With  you  are  found 

The  bravest  sons  of  Greece.      If  one  of  these 

Is  moved  to  encounter  me,  let  him  stand  forth 

And  fight  with  noble  Hector.     I  propose, 

And  call  on  Jove  to  witness,  that  if  he  i<» 

Shall  slay  me  with 'the  long  blade  of  his  spear, 

My  arms  are  his  to  spoil  and  to  bestow 

Among  the  hollow  ships  ;  but  he  must  send 

My  body  home,  that  there  the  sons  of  Troy 

And  Trojan  dames  may  burn  it  on  the  pyre.          i°s 

But  if  I  take  his  life,  and  Phcebus  crown 

My  combat  with  that  glory,  I  will  strip 

His  armor  off  and  carry  it  away 

To  hallowed  Ilium,  there  to  hang  it  high 

Within  the  temple  of  the  archer-god  no 

Apollo  ;  but  his  body  I  will  send 

Back  to  the  well-oared  ships,  that  on  the  beach 

The  long-haired  Greeks  may  hold  his  funeral  rites, 

And  rear  his  tomb  by  the  wide  Hellespont. 

And  then,  in  time  to  come,  shall  some  one  say,     "s 

Sailing  in  his  good  ship  the  dark-blue  deep, 

'  This  is  the  sepulchre  of  one  who  died 

Long  since,  and  whom,  though  fighting  gallantly, 

Illustrious  Hector  slew.'     So  shall  he  say 

Hereafter,  and  my  fame  shall  never  die."  «=« 


Book    VI L  179 

He  spake  ;  but  utter  silence  held  them  all,  — 
Ashamed  to  shun  the  encounter,  yet  afraid 
To  meet  it,  —  till  at  length,  with  heavy  heart, 
Rose  Menelaus  from  his  seat,  and  thus 
Bespake  the  army  with  reproachful  words  :  —       125 

"  O  boastful  ones,  no  longer  to  be  called 
Greek  warriors,  but  Greek  women  !  a  disgrace 
Grievous  beyond  all  others  will  be  ours, 
If  none  be  found  in  all  the  Achaian  host 
To  meet  this  Hector.     May  you,  every  one,          130 
There  where  ye  now  are  sitting,  turn  to  earth 
And  water,  craven  as  ye  are,  and  lost 
To  sense  of  glory  !     I  will  arm  myself 
For  this  encounter.     With  the  immortal  gods 
Alone  it  rests  to  give  the  victory."  135 

He  spake,  and  put  his  glorious  armor  on. 
Then,  Menelaus,  had  the  Trojan's  hand 
Ended  thy  life,  for  he  was  mightier  far 
Than  thou,  had  not  the  Achaian  kings  at  once 
Uprisen  to  hold  thee  back,  while  Atreus'  son,        no 
Wide-ruling  Agamemnon,  took  thy  hand 
In  his,  and  made  thee  listen  while  he  spake  :  — 

"  Sure,  noble  Menelaus,  thou  art  mad. 
Such  frenzied  daring  suits  not  with  the  time. 
Restrain  thyself,  though-  thou  hast  cause  for  wrath  ; 
Nor  in  thy  pride  of  courage  meet  in  arms  n& 

One  so  much  mightier,  —  Hector,  Priam's  son, 
Vvhom  every  other  chief  regards  with  fear, 
Whom  even  Achilles,  braver  far  than  thou, 


i8o  The  Iliad. 

Dreads  to  encounter  in  the  glorious  fight.  151 

Withdraw,  then,  to  thy  comrades,  and  sit  down. 
The  Greeks  will  send  some  other  champion  forth 
Against  him  ;  and  though  fearless,  and  athirst 
For  combat,  he,  I  deem,  will  gladly  bend 
His  weary  knees  to  rest  should  he  escape  155 

From  that  fierce  conflict  in  the  lists  alive." 

With  words  like  these  the  Grecian  hero  changed 
The  purpose  of  his  brother,  who  obeyed 
The  prudent  counsel  :  and  with  great  delight 
The  attendants  stripped  the  armor  from  his  breast. 
Then  Nestor  rose  amid  the  Greeks  and  said  :  —  ^ 

"  Ye  gods  !  a  great  calamity  hath  fallen 
Upon  Achaia.     How  the  aged  chief 
Peleus,  the  illustrious  counsellor  and  sage, 
Who  rules  the  Myrmidons,  will  now  lament  !  —    *(•- 
He  who  once  gladly  in  his  palace-home 
Inquired  of  me  the  race  and  pedigree 
Of  the  Greek  warriors.     Were  he  but  to  know 
That  all  of  them  are  basely  cowering  now 
In  Hector's  presence,  how  would  he  uplift  >?o 

His  hands  and  pray  the  gods  that  from  his  limbs 
The  parted  soul  might  pass  to  the  abode 
Of  Pluto  !     Would  to  Father  Jupiter 
And  Pallas  and  Apollo  that  again 
I  were  as  young  as  when  the  Pylian  host  175 

And  the  Arcadians,  mighty  with  the  spear, 
Fought  on  the  banks  of  rapid  Celadon 
And  near  to  Phren  and  lardan's  streams. 


Book    177.  i  Si 

There  godlike  Ereuthalion  stood  among 

Our  foremost  foes,  and  on  his  shoulders  bore        i&> 

The  armor  of  King  Arei'thoiis,  — 

The  noble  Are'ithoiis,  whom  men 

And  graceful  women  called  the  Mace-bearer  ; 

For  not  with  bow  he  fought,  nor  ponderous  lance, 

But  broke  the  phalanxes  with  iron  mace.  is5 

Lycurgus  slew  him,  but  by  stratagem, 

And  not  by  strength  ;  he  from  a  narrow  way, 

Where  was  no  room  to  wield  the  iron  mace, 

Through  Areithoiis  thrust  the  spear :  he  fell 

Backward ;  the  victor  took  his  arms,  which  Mars  190 

The  war-god  gave,  and  which  in  after-time 

Lycurgus  wore  on  many  a  battle-field. 

And  when  within  his  palace  he  grew  old, 

He  gave  them  to  be  worn  by  one  he  loved,  — 

To  Ereuthalion,  who  attended  him  195 

In  battle,  and  whp,  wearing  them,  defied 

The  bravest  of  our  host.     All  trembled  ;  all 

Held  back  in  fear,  nor  dared  encounter  him. 

But  me  a  daring  trust  in  my  own  strength 

Impelled  to  meet  him.      I  was  youngest  then 

Of  all  the  chiefs  ;  I  fought,  and  Pallas  gave 

The  victory  over  him,  and  thus  I  slew 

The  hugest  and  most  strong  of  men  ;  he  lay 

Extended  in  vast  bulk  upon  the  ground. 

Would  I  were  young  as  then,  my  frame  unworn    =05 

By  years  !  and  Hector  of  the  beamy  helm 

Should  meet  an  adversary  soon  ;  but  now 


1 82  The  Iliad. 

No  one  of  all  the  chieftains  here,  renowned 

To  be  the  bravest  of  the  Achaian  race, 

Hastens  to  meet  in  arms  the  Trojan  chief."  *         ="= 

Thus  with  upbraiding  words  the  old  man  spake  ; 
And  straight  arose  nine  warriors  from  their  seats. 
The  first  was  Agamemnon,  king  of  men; 
The  second,  brave  Tydides  Diomed  ; 
And  then  the  chieftains  Ajax,  bold  and  strong ;    ^s 
And  then  Idomeneus,  with  whom  arose 
Meriones,  his  armor-bearer,  great 
As  Mars  himself  in  battle.     After  them, 
Eurypylus,  Evaemon's  valiant  son, 
And  Thoas,  offspring  of  Andrsemon,  rose,  *° 

And  the  divine  Ulysses,  —  claiming  all 
To  encounter  noble  Hector  in  the  lists. 
But  then  spake  Nestor  the  Gerenian  knight :  — 

"  Now  let  us  cast  the  lot  for  all,  and  see 
To  whom  it  falls  ;  for  greatly  will  he  aid 
The  nobly-armed  Achaians,  and  as  great 
Will  be  his  share  of  honor  should  he  come 
Alive  from  the  hard  trial  of  the  fight." 

Then  each  one  marked  his  lot,  and  all  were  cast 
Into  the  helm  of  Agamemnon,  son  230 

Of  Atreus.     All  the  people  lifted  up 
Their  hands  in  prayer  to  the  ever-living  gods, 
And  turned  their  eyes  to  the  broad  heaven,  and  said  : 

"  Grant,  Father  Jove,  that  Ajax,  or  the  son 
Of  Tydeus,  or  the  monarch  who  bears  rule  335 

In  rich  Mycenae  may  obtain  the  lot. ' 


Rook   VI L  183 

Such  was  their  prayer,  while  the  Gerenian  knight, 
Old  Nestor,  shook  the  lots  ;  and  from  the  helm 
Leaped  forth  the  lot  of  Ajax,  as  they  wished. 
A  herald  took  it,  and  from  right  to  left  =4" 

Bore  it  through  all  the  assembly,  showing  it 
To  all  the  leaders  of  the  Greeks.     No  one 
Knew  it,  and  all  disclaimed  it.     When  at  last, 
Carried  through  all  the  multitude,  it  came 
To  Ajax  the  renowned,  who  had  inscribed  =« 

And  laid  it  in  the  helmet,  he  stretched  forth 
His  hand,  while  at  his  side  the  herald  stood, 
And  took  and  looked  upon  it,  knew  his  sign, 
And  gloried  as  he  looked,  and  cast  it  down 
Upon  the  ground  before  his  feet,  and  said  :  —      »s° 

"  O  friends  !  the  lot  is  mine,  and  I  rejoice 
Heartily,  for  I  think  to  overcome 
The  noble  Hector.     Now,  while  I  put  on 
My  armor  for  the  fight,  pray  ye  to  Jove, 
The  mighty  son  of  Saturn,  silently,  =55 

Unheard  by  them  of  Troy,  or  else  aloud, 
Since  we  fear  no  one.     None  by  strength  of  arm 
Shall  vanquish  me,  or  find  me  inexpert 
In  battle,  nor  was  I  to  that  degree 
Ill-trained  in  Salamis,  where  I  was  born." 

He  spake  ;  and  they  to  Saturn's  monarch-son 
Prayed,  looking  up  to  the  broad  heaven,  and  said  :  — 

"  O  Father  Jove  !  most  mighty,  most  august ! 
Who  rulest  from  the  Idajan  mount,  vouchsafe 
That  Ajax  bear  away  the  victory  *,s 


1 84  The  Iliad. 

And  everlasting  honor  ;  but  if  thou 
Dost  cherish  Hector  and  protect  his  life, 
Give  equal  strength  to  both,  and  equal  fame.'' 

Such  were  their  words,  while  Ajax  armed  himself 
In  glittering  brass  ;  and,  when  about  his  limbs     --7« 
The  mail  was  buckled,  forward  rushed  the  chief. 
As  moves  the  mighty  Mars  to  war  among 
The  heroes  whom  the  son  of  Saturn  sends 
To  struggle  on  the  field  in  murderous  strife, 
So  the  great  Ajax,  bulwark  of  the  Greeks,  ns 

With  a  grim  smile  came  forward,  and  with  strides 
Firm-set  and  long,  and  shook  his  ponderous  spear. 
The  Greeks  exulted  at  the  sight ;  dismay 
Seized  every  Trojan  :  even  Hector's  heart 
Quailed  in  his  bosom  ;  yet  he  might  not  now        a* 
Withdraw  through  fear,  nor  seek  to  hide  among 
The  throng  of  people,  since  himself  had  given 
The  challenge.     Ajax,  drawing  near,  upheld 
A  buckler  like  a  rampart,  bright  with  brass, 
And  strong  with  ox-hides  seven.    The  cunning  hand 
Of  Tychius,  skilled  beyond  all  other  men  286 

In  leather-work,  had  wrought  it  at  his  home 
In  Hyla.     He  for  Ajax  framed  the  shield 
With  hides  of  pampered  bullocks  in  seven  folds, 
And  an  eighth  fold  of  brass,  — the  outside  fold.    ?w 
This  Telamonian  Ajax  held  before 
His   breast,   as   he    approached,    and    threatening 
said  :  — • 

"Now  shalt  thou,  Hector,  singly  matched  with  me, 


Book    VII.  185 

Learn  by  what  chiefs  the  Achaian  host  is  led 
Besides  Achilles,  mighty  though  he  be  295 

To  break  through  squadrons,  and  of  lion-heart 
Still  in  the  beaked  ships  in  which  he  crossed 
The  sea  he  cherishes  his  wrath  against 
The  shepherd  of  the  people,  —  Atreus'  son. 
But  we  have  those  that  dare  defy  thee  yet,  300 

And  they  are  many.     Let  the  fight  begin." 

Then  answered  Hector  of  the  plumed  helm  :  — 
"O  high-born  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon, 
And  prince  among  thy  people,  think  thou  not 
To  treat  me  like  a  stripling  weak  o(  arm,  3°= 

Or  woman  all  untrained  to  tasks  of  war. 
I  know  what  battles  are  and  bloody  frays, 
And  how  to  shift  to  right  and  left  the  shield 
Of  seasoned  hide,  and,  unfatigued,  maintain 
The  combat ;  how  on  foot  to  charge  the  foe          3" 
With  steps  that  move  to  martial  airs,  and  how 
To  leap  into  the  chariot  and  pursue 
The  war  with  rushing  steeds.     Yet  not  by  stealth 
Seek  I  to  smite  thee,  valiant  as  thou  art, 
But  in  fair  open  battle,  if  I  may."  3-5 

He  spake,  and,  brandishing  his  ponderous  lance, 
Hurled  it ;  and  on  the  outer  plate  of  brass, 
Which  covered  the  seven  bullock-hides,  it  struck 
The  shield  of  Ajax.    Through  the  brass  and  through 
Six  folds  of  hides  the  irresistible  spear  32- 

Cut  its  swift  way,  and  at  the  seventh  was  stopped. 
Then  high-born  Ajax  cast  his  massive  spear 


1 86  The  Iliad. 

In  turn,  and  drove  it  through  the  fair,  round  shield 
Of  Priam's  son.     Through  that  bright  buckler  went 
The  rapid  weapon,  pierced  the  well-wrought  mail,  3^5 
And  tore  the  linen  tunic  at  the  flank. 
But  Hector  stooped  and  thus  avoided  death. 
They  took  their  spears  again,  and,  coming  close, 
Like  lions  in  their  hunger,  or  wild  boars 
Of  fearful  strength,  joined  battle.     Priam's  son     33° 
Sent  his  spear  forward,  striking  in  the  midst 
The  shield  of  Ajax,  but  it  broke  not  through 
The  brass  ;  the  metal  turned  the  weapon's  point. 
While  Ajax,  springing  onward,  smote  the  shield 
Of  Hector,  drave  his  weapon  through,  and  checked 
His  enemy's  swift  advance,  and  wounded  him       33* 
Upon  the  shoulder,  and  the  black  blood  flowed. 
Yet  not  for  this  did  plumed  Hector  cease 
From  combat,  but  went  back,  and,  lifting  up 
A  huge,  black,  craggy  stone  that  near  him  lay,      340 
Flung  it  with  force  against  the  middle  boss 
Of  the  broad  sevenfold  shield  that  Ajax  bore. 
The  brass  rang  with  the  blow.     Then  Ajax  raised 
A  heavier  stone,  and  whirled  it,  putting  forth 
His  arm's  immeasurable  strength  ;  it  brake  ™ 

Through  Hector's  shield  as  if  a  millstone's  weight 
Had  fallen.     His  knees  gave  way  ;  he  fell  to  earth 
Headlong  ;  yet  still  he  kept  his  shield.     At  once 
Apollo  raised  him  up  ;  and  now  with  swords, 
Encountering  hand  to  hand,  they  both  had  flown    ?.-« 
To  wound  each  other,  if  the  heralds  sent 


Book   VI  1.  187 

As  messengers  from  Jupiter  and  men 
Had  not  approached,  —  Idaeus  from  the  side 
Of  Troy,  Talthybius  from  the  Grecian  host,  — 
Wise  ancients  both.    Betwixt  the  twain  they  held  355 
Their  sceptres,  and  the  sage  Idaeus  spake  :  — 

"  Cease  to  contend,  dear  sons,  in  deadly  fray  ; 
Ye  both  are  loved  by  cloud-compelling  Jove, 
And  both  are  great  in  war,  as  all  men  know. 
The  night  is  come  ;  be  then  the  night  obeyed."    3^0 

And  Telamonian  Ajax  answered  thus  :  — 
"  Idaeus,  first  let  Hector  speak  of  this, 
For  he  it  was  who  challenged  to  the  field 
The  bravest  of  the  Grecian  host,  and  I 
Shall  willingly  obey  if  he  obeys."  365 

To  him  in  turn  the  plumed  Hector  said  :  — 
"  Ajax,  although  God  gave  thee  bulk  and  strength 
And  prudence,  and  in  mastery  of  the  spear 
Thou  dost  excel  the  other  Greeks,  yet  now 
Pause  we  from  battle  and  the  rivalry  37° 

Of  prowess  for  this  day.     Another  time 
We  haply  may  renew  the  fight  till  fate 
Shall  part  us  and  bestow  the  victory 
On  one  of  us.     But  now  the  night  is  here, 
And  it  is  good  to  obey  the  night,  that  thou  375 

Mayst  gladden  at  the  fleet  the  Greeks  and  all 
Thy  friends  and  comrades,  and  that  I  in  turn 
May  give  the  Trojan  men  and  long-robed  dames, ' 
In  the  great  city  where  King  Priam  reigns, 
Cause  to  rejoice,  —  the  dames  who  pray  for  me,  f.° 


1 88  The  Iliad. 

Thronging  the  hallowed  temple.     Let  us  now 
Each  with  the  other  leave  some  noble  gift, 
That  all  men,  Greek  or  Trojan,  thus  may  say  : 
'They  fought  indeed  in  bitterness  of  heart, 
But  they  were  reconciled,  and  parted  friends.'"     & 

He  spake,  and  gave  a  silver-studded  sword 
And  scabbard  with  its  fair  embroidered  belt  ; 
And  Ajax  gave  a  girdle  brightly  dyed 
With  purple.     Then  they  both  departed,  —  one 
To  join  the  Grecian  host,  and  one  to  meet  390 

The  Trojan  people,  who  rejoiced  to  see 
Hector  alive,  unvvounded,  and  now  safe 
From  the  great  might  and  irresistible  arm 
Of  Ajax.     Straightway  to  the  town  they  led 
Him  for  whose  life  they  scarce  had  dared  to  hope.  395 
And  Ajax  also  by  the  well-armed  Greeks, 
Exulting  in  his  feats  of  arms,  was  brought 
To  noble  Agamemnon.     When  the  chiefs 
Were  in  his  tents,  the  monarch  sacrificed 
A  bullock  of  five  summers  to  the  son  «» 

Of  Saturn,  sovereign  Jupiter.     They  flayed 
The  carcass,  dressed  it,  carved  away  the  limbs, 
Divided  into  smaller  parts  the  flesh, 
Fixed  them  on  spits,  and  roasted  them  with  care, 
And  drew  them  from  the  fire.     And  when  the  task 
Was  finished,  and  the  banquet  all  prepared,          4<* 
They  feasted,  and  there  was  no  guest  who  lacked 
His  equal  part  in  that  repast.     The  son 
Of  Atreus,  A^am^mnon,  brave,  and  lord 


Book    VI L  189 

Of  wide  dominions,  gave  the  chine  entire  4-0 

To  Ajax  as  his  due.     Now  when  the  calls 
Of  thirst  and  hunger  ceased,  the  aged  chief 
Nestor,  whose  words  had  ever  seemed  most  wise, 
Opened  the  council  with  this  prudent  speech  :  — 

"  Atrides,  and  ye  other  chiefs  of  Greece  !  413 

Full  many  a  long-haired  warrior  of  our  host 
Hath  perished.     Cruel  Mars  hath  spilt  their  blood 
Beside'  Scamander's  gentle  stream  ;  their  souls 
Have  gone  to  Hades.     Give  thou,  then,  command, 
That  all  the  Greeks  to-morrow  pause- from  war,    4=0 
And  come  together  at  the  early  dawn, 
And  bring  the  dead  in  chariots  drawn  by  mules 
And  oxen,  and  consume  them  near  our  fleet 
With  fire,  that  we,  when  we  return  from  war, 
May  carry  to  our  native  land  the  bones,  425 

And  give  them  to  the  children  of  the  slain. 
And  then  will  we  go  forth  and  heap  from  earth, 
Upon  the  plain,  a  common  tomb  for  all 
Around  the  funeral  pile,  and  build  high  towers 
With  speed  beside  it,  which  shall  be  alike  43° 

A  bulwark  for  our  navy  and  our  host. 
And  let  the  entrance  be  a  massive  gate, 
Through  which  shall  pass  an  ample  chariot-way. 
And  in  a  circle  on  its  outer  edge 
Sink  we  a  trench  so  deep  that  neither  steeds         435 
Nor  men  may  pass,  if  these  proud  Trojans  yet 
Should,  in  the  coming  battles,  press  us  sore." 

He  spake  ;  the  princes  all  approved  his  words. 


The  Iliad. 


Meanwhile,  beside  the  lofty  citadel 

Of  Ilium  and  at  Priam's  palace-gates  44« 

In  turbulence  and  fear  the  Trojans  held 

A  council,  and  the  wise  Antenor  spake  :  — 

"  Hearken,  ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  allies, 
To  what  my  sober  judgment  bids  me  speak. 
Send  we  the  Argive  Helen  back  with  all  us 

Her  treasures  ;  let  the  sons  of  Atreus  lead 
The  dame  away  ;  for  now  we  wage  the  war 
After  our  faith  is  broken,  and  I  deem 
We  cannot  prosper  till  we  make  amends." 

He  spake,  and  sat  him  down.     The  noble  chief 
Paris,  the  fair-haired  Helen's  husband,  rose  45- 

To  answer  him,  and  spake  this  winged  speech  :  — 

"  Thy  words,  Antenor,  please  me  not.    Thy  skill 
Could  offer  better  counsels.     If  those  words 
Were  gravely  meant,  the  gods  have  made  thee  mad. 
But  let  me  here,  amid  these  knights  of  Troy,         ^ 
Speak  openly  my  mind.     Give  up  my  wife 
I  never  will  ;  but  all  the  wealth  I  brought 
With  her  from  Argos  I  most  willingly 
Restore,  with  added  treasures  of  my  own."  & 

He  said,  and  took  his  seat,  and  in  the  midst 
Dardanian  Priam  rose,  a  counsellor 
Of  godlike  wisdom,  and  thus  sagely  spake  :  — 

"  Hear  me,  ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  allies  ! 
I  speak  the  thought  that  rises  in  my  breast.  ^ 

Take  now,  as  ye  are  wont,  your  evening  meal 
And  set  a  watch  and  keep  upon  your  guard  ; 


Book    VII.  191 

But  let  Idaeus  to  the  hollow  ships 

Repair  at  morning,  and  to  Atreus'  sons  — 

To  Agamemnon  and  his  brother  king  —  470 

Make  known  what  Paris,  author  of  this  strife, 

Proposes,  and  with  fairly  ordered  speech 

Ask  further  if  they  will  consent  to  pause 

From  crujl  battle  till  we  burn  the  dead  : 

Then  be  the  war  renewed  till  fate  shall  part          475 

The  hosts  and  give  to  one  the  victory." 

He  spake.     The  assembly  listened  and  obeyed  ; 
All  through  the  camp  in  groups  they  took  their  meal. 
But  with  the  morn  Idajus  visited 
The  hollow  ships,  and  found  the  Achaian  chiefs,   480 
Followers  of  Mars,  in  council  near  the  prow 
Of  Agamemnon's  bark  ;  and,  standing  there, 
The  loud-voiced  herald  spake  his  message  thus  :  — 

"  Ye  sons  of  Atreus,  and  ye  other  chiefs 
Of  all  the  tribes  of  Greece,  I  come  to  you  **; 

From  Priam  and  the  eminent  men  of  Troy, 
To  say,  if  it  be  pleasing  to  your  ears, 
What  Alexander,  author  of  the  war, 
Proposes.     All  the  wealth  which  in  his  ships 
He  brought  to  Troy — would  he  had  perished  first !  — 
He  will,  with  added  treasures  of  his  own,  w 

Freely  restore  ;  but  her  who  was  the  wife 
Of  gallant  Menelaus  he  denies 
To  render  back,  though  all  who  dwell  in  Troy 
Join  to  demand  it.     I  am  furthermore  495 

Bidden  to  ask  if  you  consent  to  pause 


192  The  Iliad. 

From  cruel  battle  till  we  burn  our  dead  : 
Then  be  the  war  renewed  till  fate  shall  part 
The  hosts  and  give  to  one  the  victory." 

He  spake  ;  and  all  were  silent  for  a  space.         <«• 
Then  spake  at  length  the  valiant  Diomed  :  — 

"  Let  none  consent  to  take  the  Trojan's  goods, 
Nor  even  Helen  \  for  a  child  may  see 
The  utter  ruin  hanging  over  Troy." 

He  spake.   The  admiring  Greeks  confirmed  with 

shouts 

The  words  of  Diomed  the  knight,  and  thus 
King  Agamemnon  to  Idaeus  said  :  — 

"  Idaeus,  thou  thyself  hast  heard  the  Greeks 
Pronounce  their  answer.     What  to  them  seems  good 
Pleases  me  also.     For  the  slain,  I  give  5-0 

Consent  to  burn  them  ;  to  the  dead  we  bear 
No  hatred  ;  when  they  fall  the  rite  of  fire 
Should  soon  be  paid.     Let  Juno's  husband,  Jove 
The  Thunderer,  bear  witness  to  our  truce." 

The  monarch  spake,  and  raised  to  all  the  gods  s-s 
His  sceptre,  while  Idaeus  took  his  way 
To  hallowed  Ilium.     There  in  council  sat 
Trojans  and  Dardans,  waiting  his  return. 
He  came,  and  standing  in  the  midst  declared 
His  message.    Then  they  all  went  forth  in  haste,  5=0 
Some  to  collect  the  slain  and  some  to  fell 
Trees  in  the  forest.    From  their  well-benched  ships 
The  Achaians  also  issued,  some  to  bring 
The  dead  together,  some  to  gather  wood. 


Book   VII.  193 

Now  from  the  smooth  deep  ocean-stream  the  sun 
Began  to  climb  the  heavens,  and  with  new  rays    5-* 
Smote  tne  surrounding  fields.     The  Trojans  met, 
But  found  it  hard  to  know  their  dead  again. 
They  washed  away  the  clotted  blood,  and  laid  — 
Shedding  hot  tears  —  the  bodies  on  the  cars.        530 
And  since  the  mighty  Priam's  word  forbade 
All  wailing,  silently  they  bore  away 
Their  slaughtered  friends,  and  heaped  them  on  the 

pyre 

With  aching  hearts,  and,  when  they  had  consumed 
The  dead  with  fire,  returned  to  hallowed  Troy.     535 
The  nobly-armed  Achaians  also  heaped 
Their  slaughtered  warriors  on  the  funeral  pile 
With  aching  hearts  ;  and  when  they  had  consumed 
Their  dead  with  fire  they  sought  their  hollow  ships. 

And  ere  the  morning  came,  while  earth  was  gray 
With  twilight,  by  the  funeral  pile  arose  «• 

A  chosen  band  of  Greeks,  who,  going  forth, 
Heaped  round  it  from  the  earth  a  common  tomb 
For  all,  and  built  a  wall  and  lofty  towers 
Near  it,  —  a  bulwark  for  the  fleet  and  host.  545 

And  ;n  the  wall  they  fitted  massive  gates, 
Through  which  there  passed  an  ample  chariot-way  ; 
And  on  its  outer  edge  they  sank  a  trench,  — 
Broad,  deep,  — and  planted  it  with  pointed  stakes. 
So  labored  through  the  night  the  long-haired  Greeks. 

The  gods  who  sat  beside  the  Thunderer  Jove    551 
Admired  the  mighty  labor  of  the  Greeks  ; 


194  The  Iliad- 

But  Neptune,  he  who  shakes  the  earth,  began  :  — 

"  O  Father  Jove,  henceforth  will  any  one 
Of  mortal  men  consult  the  immortal  gods  ? 
Seest  thou  not  how  the  long-haired  Greeks  have  reared 
A  wall  before  their  navy,  and  have  drawn 
A  trench  around  it,  yet  have  brought  the  gods 
No  liberal  hecatombs  ?     Now  will  the  fame 
Of  this  their  work  go  forth  wherever  shines 
The  light  of  day,  and  men  will  quite  forget 
The  wall  which  once  we  built  with  toiling  hands  — 
Phoebus  Apollo  and  myself —  around 
The  city  of  renowned  Laomedon." 

And  cloud-compelling  Jove  in  wrath  replied  :  — 
"  Earth-shaking   power  !    what   words    are    these  ? 
Some  god  s« 

Of  meaner  rank  and  feebler  arm  than  thou 
Might  haply  dread  the  work  the  Greeks  have  planned. 
But  as  for  thee,  thy  glory  shall  be  known 
Wherever  shines  the  day  ;  and  when  at  last  570 

The  crssted  Greeks,  departing  in  their  ships, 
Shall  seek  their  native  coasts,  do  thou  o'erthrow 
The  wall  they  built,  and  sink  it  in  the  deep, 
And  cover  the  great  shore  again  with  sand. 
Thus  shall  their  bulwark  vanish  from  the  plain."  s-< 

So  talked  they  with  each  other  while  the  sun 
Was  setting.     But  the  Achaians  now  had  brought 
Their  labors  to  an  end  ;  they  slew  their  steers 
Beside  the  tents  and  shared  the  evening  meal, 
While  many  ships  had  come  to  land  with  store     & 


Book   VII.  195 

Of  wine  from  Lemnos,  which  Euneus  sent,  — 
Euneus  whom  Hypsipyle  brought  forth 
To  Jason,  shepherd  of  the  people.     These 
Brought  wine,  a  thousand  measures,  as  a  gift 
To  Agamemnon  and  his  brother  king,  #5 

The  sons  of  Atreus.     But  the  long-haired  Greeks 
Bought  for  themselves  their  wines  ;  some  gave  their 

brass, 

And  others  shining  steel  ;  some  bought  with  hides, 
And  some  with  steers,  and  some  with  slaves,  and  thus 
Prepared  an  ample  banquet.     Through  the  night  590 
Feasted  the  long-haired  Greeks.      The  Trojan  host 
And  their  auxiliar  warriors  banqueted 
Within  the  city-walls.     Through  all  that  night 
The  Great  Disposer,  Jove,  portended  woe 
To  both  with  fearful  thunderings.     All  were  pale  595 
With  terror  ;  from  their  beakers  all  poured  wine 
Upon  the  ground,  and  no  man  dared  to  drink 
Who  had  not  paid  to  Saturn's  mighty  son 
The  due  libation.     Then  they  laid  them  down 
To  rest,  and  so  received  the  balm  of  sleep.  &o 


196  The  Iliad. 


BOOK    VIII. 

NOW  morn  in  saffron  robes  had  shed  her  light 
O'er  all  the  earth,  when  Jove  the  Thunderer 
Summoned  the  gods  to  council  on  the  heights 
Of  many-peaked  Olympus.     He  addressed 
The  assembly,  and  all  listened  as  he  spake  :  —       5 

"  Hear,  all  ye  gods  and  all  ye  goddesses  ! 
While  I  declare  the  thought  within  my  breast. 
Let  none  of  either  sex  presume  to  break 
The  law  I  give,  but  cheerfully  obey, 
That  my  design  may  sooner  be  fulfilled.  ^ 

Whoever,  stealing  from  the  rest,  shall  seek 
To  aid  the  Grecian  cause,  or  that  of  Troy, 
Back  to  Olympus,  scourged  and  in  disgrace, 
Shall  he  be  brought,  or  I  will  seize  and  hurl 
The  offender  down  to  rayless  Tartarus,  ^ 

Deep,  deep  in  the  great  gulf  below  the  earth, 
With  iron  gates  and  threshold  forged  of  brass, 
As  far  beneath  the  shades  as  earth  from  heaven. 
Then  shall  he  learn  how  greatly  I  surpass 
All  other  gods  in  power.     Try  if  ye  will, 
Ye  gods,  that  all  may  know  :  suspend  from  heaven 
A  golden  chain  ;  let  all  the  immortal  host 
Cling  to  it  from  below  :  ye  could  not  draw, 
Strive  as  ye  might,  the  all-disposing  Jove 
From  heaven  to  earth.     And  yet,  if  I  should  choose 
To  draw  it  upward  to  me,  I  should  lift, 


Book   VI II.  197 

With  it  and  you,  the  earth  itself  and  sea 
Together,  and  I  then  would  bind  the  chain 

O  * 

Around  the  summit  of  the  Olympian  mount, 

And  they  should  hang  aloft.     So  far  my  power      *= 

Surpasses  all  the  power  of  gods  and  men." 

He  spake  ;  and  all  the  great  assembly,  hushed 
In  silence,  wondered  at  his  threatening  words, 
Until  at  length  the  blue-eyed  Pallas  said  :  — 

"  Our  Father,  son  of  Saturn,  mightiest  35 

Among  the  potentates,  we  know  thy  power 
Is  not  to  be  withstood,  yet  are  we  moved 
With  pity  for  the  warlike  Greeks,  who  bear 
An  evil  fate  and  waste  away  in  war. 
If  such  be  thy  command,  we  shall  refrain  40 

From  mingling  in  the  combat,  yet  will  aid 
The  Greeks  with  counsel  which  may  be  their  guide, 
Lest  by  thy  wrath  they  perish  utterly." 

The  Cloud-compeller  Jove  replied,  and  smiled :  — 
"  Tritonia,  daughter  dear,  be  comforted.  45 

I  spake  not  in  the  anger  of  my  heart, 
And  I  have  naught  but  kind  intents  for  thee. 

He  spake,  and  to  his  chariot  yoked  the  steeds, 
Fleet,  brazen-footed,  and  with  flowing  manes 
Of  gold,  and  put  his  golden  armor  on,  5° 

And  took  the  golden  scourge,  divinely  wrought, 
And,  mounting,  touched  the  'coursers  with  the  lash 
To  urge  them  onward.     Not  unwillingly 
Flew  they  between  the  earth  and  starry  heaven, 
Until  he  came  to  Ida,  moist  with  springs  55 


1 98  The  Iliad. 

And  nurse  of  savage  beasts,  and  to  the  height 
Of  Gargarus,  where  lay  his  sacred  field, 
And  where  his  fragrant  altar  fumed.     He  checked 
Their  course,  and  there  the  Father  of  the  gods 
And  men  released  them  from  the  yoke  and  caused  a 
A  cloud  to  gather  round  them.     Then  he  sat, 
Exulting  in  the  fulness  of  his  might, 
Upon  the  summit,  whence  his  eye  beheld 
The  towers  of  Ilium  and  the  ships  of  Greece. 
Now  in  their  tents  the  long-haired  Greeks  had 

shared  65 

A  hasty  meal,  and  girded  on  their  arms. 
The  Trojans,  also,  in  their  city  armed 
Themselves  for  war,  as  eager  for  the  fight. 
Though  fewer  ;  for  a  hard  necessity 
Forced  them  to  combat  for  their  little  ones  7° 

And  wives.     They  set  the  city-portals  wide, 
And  forth  the  people  issued,  foot  and  horse 
Together,  and  a  mighty  din  arose. 
And  now,  when   host  met  host,  their  shields  and 

spears 

Were  mingled  in  disorder  ;  men  of  might 
Encountered,  cased  in  mail,  and  bucklers  clashed 
Their  bosses  ;  loud  the  clamor  :  cries  of  pain 
And  boastful  shouts  arose  from  those  who  fell 
And  those  who  slew,  and  earth  was  drenched  with 

blood. 

While  yet  't  was  morning,  and  the  holy  light      a 
Of  day  grew  bright,  the  men  of  both  the  hosts 


Book   VI I L  199 

vYere  smitten  and  were  slain  ;  but  when  the  sun 
Stood  high  in  middle  heaven,  the  All-Father  took 
His  golden  scales,  and  in  them  laid  the  fates          s4 
Which  bring  the  sleep  of  death,  —  the  fate  of  those 
Who  tamed  the  Trojan  steeds,  and  those  who  warred 
For  Greece  in  brazen  armor.     By  the  midst 
He  held  the  balance,  and,  behold,  the  fate 
Of  Greece  in  that  day's  fight  sank  down  until         s9 
It  touched  the  nourishing  earth,  while  that  of  Troy 
Rose  and  flew  upward  toward  the  spacious  heaven. 
With  that  the  Godhead  thundered  terribly 
From  Ida's  height,  and  sent  his  lightnings  down 
Among  the  Achaian  army.     They  beheld 
In  mute  amazement  and  grew  pale  with  fear.          95 

Then  neither  dared  Idomeneus  remain, 
Nor  Agamemnon,  on  the  ground,  nor  stayed 
The  chieftains  Ajax,  ministers  of  Mars. 
Gerenian  Nestor,  guardian  of  the  Greeks, 
Alone  was  left  behind,  and  he  remained  >«> 

Unwillingly.     A  steed  of  those  that  drew 
His  car  was  sorely  wounded  by  a  shaft 
Which  Alexander,  fair-haired  Helen's  spouse, 
Sent  from  his  bow.     It  pierced  the  forehead  where 
The  mane  begins,  and  where  a  wound  is  death.    105 
The  arrow  pierced  him  to  the  brain  ;  he  reared 
And  whirled  in  torture  with  the  wound,  and  scared 
His  fellow-coursers.     While  the  aged  man 
Hastened  to  sever  with  his  sword  the  thongs 
That  bound  him  to  the  car,  the  rapid  steeds          «<> 


2OO  The  Iliad. 

Of  Hector  bore  their  valiant  master  on 

With  the  pursuing  crowd.     The  aged  chief 

Had  perished  then,  if  gallant  Diomed 

Had  not  perceived  his  plight.     He  lifted  up 

His  voice,  and,  shouting  to  Ulysses,  said  : —          i>< 

"  High-born  Ulysses,  man  of  subtle  shifts, 
Son  of  Laertes,  whither  dost  thou  flee  ? 
Why  like  a  coward  turn  thy  back  ?     Beware, 
Lest  there  some  weapon  smite  thee.    Stay  and  guard 
This  aged  warrior  from  his  furious  foe."  1=0 

So  spake  he  ;  but  the  much-enduring  man, 
Ulysses,  heard  not  the  reproof,  and  passed 
Rapidly  toward  the  hollow  ships  of  Greece. 
Tydides,  single-handed",  made  his  way 
Among  the  foremost  warriors,  till  he  stood  '-5 

Before  the  horses  of  the  aged  son 
Of  Neleus,  and  in  winged  accents  said  :  — 

"  The  younger  warriors  press  thee  sore,  old  chief! 
Thy  strength  gives  way  ;  the  weariness  of  age 
Is  on  thee  ;  thy  attendant  is  not  strong  ;  130 

Thy  steeds  are  slow.    Mount,  then,  my  car,  and  see 
What  Trojan  horses  are  ;  how  rapidly 
They  turn  to  right  and  left,  and  chase  and  flee. 
I  took  them  from  the  terror  of  the  field, 
^Lneas.     To  our  servants  leave  thine  own,  13 

While  we  with  these  assault  the  Trojan  knights, 
And  teach  even  Hector  that  the  spear  I  wield 
Can  make  as  furious  havoc  as  his  own." 

He  spake  ;  and  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight, 


Book   VIII.  201 

Complied.     The  two  attendants,  valiant  men,  —  MO 

Sthenelus  and  the  good  Eurymedon,  — 

Took  charge  of  Nestor's  steeds.     The  chieftains 

climbed 

The  car  of  Diomed,  and  Nestor  took 
Into  his  hand  the  embroidered  reins  and  lashed 
The  horses  with  the  scourge.     They  quickly  came 
To  Hector.     As  the  Trojan  hastened  on,  u6 

The  son  of  Tydeus  hurled  a  spear  ;  it  missed, 
But  spared  not  Eniopeus,  him  who  held 
The  reins,  the  hero's  charioteer,  and  son 
Of  brave  Thebasus.     In  the  breast  between  15° 

The  paps  it  smote  him  ;  from  the  car  he  fell, 
And  the  swift  horses  started  back ;  his  soul 
And  strength  passed  from  him.     Hector  bitterly 
Grieved  for  his  death,  yet  left  him  where  he  fell, 
And  sought  another  fitting  charioteer.  155 

Nor  had  the  fiery  coursers  long  to  wait 
A  guide,  for  valiant  Archeptolemus, 
The  son  of  Iphitus,  was  near  at  hand. 
And  him  he  caused  to  mount  the  chariot  drawn 
By  his  fleet  steeds,  and  gave  his  hand  the  reins.    i&> 
Then  great  had  been  the  slaughter  ;  fearful  deeds 
Had  then  been  done  ;  the  Trojans  had  been  scared 
Into  their  town  like  lambs  into  the  fold,  — 
Had  not  the  Father  of  the  immortal  gods 
And  mortal  men  beheld,  and  from  on  high  i«r 

Terribly  thundered,  sending  to  the  earth 
A  bolt  of  fire.     He  flung  it  down  before 


202  The  Iliad. 

The  car  of  Diomed  ;  and  fiercely  glared 
The  blazing  sulphur  ;  both  the  frightened  steeds 
Cowered  trembling  by  the  chariot.      Nestor's  hand 
Let  fall  the  embroidered  reins  ;  his  spirit  sank      i?< 
With  fear,  and  thus  he  said  to  Diomed  :  — 

"  Tydides,  turn  thy  firm-paced  steeds,  and  flee. 
Dost  thou  not  see  that  victory  from  Jove 
Attends  thee  not  ?     To-day  doth  Saturn's  son       >» 
Award  the  glory  to  the  Trojan  chief. 
Hereafter  he  will  make  it  ours,  if  such 
Be  his  good  pleasure.     No  man,  though  he  be 
The  mightiest  among  men,  can  thwart  the  will 
Of  Jupiter,  with  whom  abides  all  power."  »»> 

The  great  in  battle,  Diomed,  replied  :  — 
"  Truly,  O  ancient  man,  thou  speakest  well  ; 
But  this  it  is  that  grieves  me  to  the  heart,  — 
That  Hector  to  the  Trojan  host  will  say, 
'  I  put  to  flight  Tydides,  and  he  sought  i«s 

Shelter  among  his  ships.'     Thus  will  he  boast 
Hereafter  ;  may  earth  open  then  for  me  !  " 

And  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight,  rejoined  :  — 
"  What,  son  of  warlike  Tydeus,  hast  thou  said  ? 
Though  Hector  call  thee  faint  of  heart  and  weak,  <9" 
The  Trojans  and  Dardanians,  and  the  wives 
Of  the  stout-hearted  Trojans  armed  with  shields. 
Whose  husbands  in  their  youthful  prime  thy  hand 
Hath  laid  in  dust,  will  not  believe  his  words." 

Thus  having  said,  he  turned  the  firm-paced  steeds 
Rearward,  and  mingled  with  the  flying  crowd.       if 


Book   VIII.  203 

And  now  the  Trojans  and  their  leader  gave 

A  mighty  cry,  and  poured  on  them  a  storm 

Of  deadly  darts,  and  crested  Hector  raised 

His  thundering  voice  and  shouted  after  them  :  —  «» 

"  O  son  of  Tydeus  !  the  swift-riding  Greeks 
Have  honored  the.e  beyond  all  other  men, 
At  banquets,  with  high  place  and  delicate  meats 
And  flowing  cups.     They  will  despise  thee  now, 
For  thou  art  like  a  woman.     Timorous  girl  !         205 
Take  thyself  hence,  and  never  think  that  I 
Shall   yield   to   thee,   that   thou   mayst  climb  our 

towers 

And  bear  away  our  women  in  thy  ships  ; 
For  I  shall  give  thee  first  the  doom  of  death." 

He  spake  ;  and  Diomed,  in  doubtful  mood,      *IO 
Questioned  his  spirit  whether  he  should  turn 
His   steeds    and   fight   with    Hector.     Thrice  the 

thought 

Arose  within  his  mind,  and  thrice  on  high 
Uttered  the  all-forecasting  Jupiter 
His  thunder  from  the  Idaean  mount,  a  sign  «= 

Of  victory  changing  to  the  Trojan  side. 
Then  Hector  to  the  Trojans  called  aloud  :  — 

"  Trojans  and  Lycians  all,  and  ye  who  close 
in  deadly  fight,  the  sons  of  Dardanus  ! 
Acquit  yourselves  like  men,  my  friends  ;  recall     **- 
Vour  fiery  valor  now,  for  I  perceive 
The  son  of  Saturn  doth  award  to  me 
Victory  and  vast  renown,  and  to  the  Greeks 


2O4  The  Iliad. 

Destruction.     Fools  !  who  built  this  slender  wall 
Which  we  contemn,  which  cannot  stand  before     -^ 
The  strength  I  bring  ;  our  steeds  can  overleap 
The  trench  they  digged.     When  I  shall  reach  then 

fleet, 

Remember  the  consuming  power  of  tire, 
That  I  may  give  their  vessels  to  the  flames, 
And  hew  the  Achaians  down  beside  their  prows,  ?r> 
While  they  are  wrapped  in  the  bewildering  smoke." 

He   spake  ;  and    then   he   cheered    his  coursers 

thus  :  — 

"  Xanthus,  Podargus,  Lampus  nobly  bred, 
And  ^thon,  now  repay  the  generous  care, 
The  pleasant  grain  which  my  Andromache,  »35 

Daughter  of  great  Eetion,  largely  gives. 
She  mingles  wine  that  ye  may  drink  at  will 
Ere  yet  she  ministers  to  me,  whd  boast 
To  be  her  youthful  husband.     Let  us  now 
Pursue  with  fiery  haste,  that  we  may  seize  w 

The  shield  of  Nestor,  the  great  fame  of  which 
Has  reached  to  heaven,  —  an  orb  of  massive  gold 
Even  to  the  handles.     Let  us  from  the  limbs 
Of  Diomed,  the  tamer  of  fleet  steeds, 
Strip  off  the  glorious  mail  that  Vulcan  forged  :      w. 
This  clone,  our  .hope  may  be  that  all  the  Greeks 
Will  climb  their  galleys  and  depart  to-night." 

So  boasted  he  ;  but  queenly  Juno's  ire 
Was  kindled,  and  she  shuddered  on  her  throne 
Till  great  Olympus  trembled.     Thus  she  spake     ^ 


Book   VIII.  205 

To  Neptune,  mighty  ruler  of  the  deep  .  — 

"  Earth-shaker  !  thou  who  rulest  far  and  wide  ! 
Is  there  no  pity  for  the  perishing  Greeks 
Within  that  breast  of  thine  ?     They  bring  to  thee 
At  Helice  and  ^Egas  costly  gifts  255 

And  many,  wherefore  thy  desire  should  be 
That  they  may  win  the  victory.     If  the  gods 
Who  favor  the  Achaians  should  combine 
To  drive  the  Trojans  back,  and  hold  in  check 
High-thundering  Jupiter,  the  God  would  sit  «*> 

In  sullen  grief  on  Ida's  top  alone." 

Earth-shaking  Neptune  answered  in  disdain  :  — 
"  O  Juno,  rash  in  speech  !  what  words  are  these  ? 
Think  not  that  I  can  wish  to  join  the  gods 
In  conflict  with  the  monarch  Jupiter,  *>5 

The  son  of  Saturn,  mightier  than  we  all." 

So  held  they  colloquy.     Meanwhile  the  space 
Betwixt  the  galleys  and  the  trench  and  wall 
Was  crowded  close  with  steeds  and  shielded  men  ; 
For  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  terrible 
As  Mars  the  lightning-footed,  drave  them  on 
Before  him.     Jove  decreed  him  such  renown. 
And  now  would  he  have  given  that  noble  fleet 
To  the  consuming  flame,  if  Juno,  queen 
Of  heaven,  had  not  beheld,  and  moved  the  heart  275 
Of  Agamemnon  to  exhort  the  Greeks 
That  they  should  turn  and  comoat.     With  quick 

steps 
He  passed  beside  the  fleet,  among  the  tents, 


2o6  The  Iliad. 

Bearing  in  his  strong  hand  his  purple  robe, 

And   climbed    the    huge    black   galley  which   had 

brought       .  «« 

Ulysses  to  the  war,  —  for  in  the  midst 
It  lay,  and  thence  the  king  might  send  his  voice 
To  either  side,  as  far  as  to  the  tents 
Of  Ajax  and  Achilles,  who  had  moored 
Their  galleys  at  the  different  extremes  ^5 

Of  the  long  camp,  confiding  in  their  might 
Of  arm  and  their  own  valor.     Thence  he  called, 
With  loud,  clear  utterance,  to  the  Achaian  host :  — 

"  O  Greeks  !  shame  on  ye  !  cravens  who  excel 
In  form  alone  !     Where  now  are  all  the  boasts      **> 
Of  your  invincible  valor,  —  the  vain  words 
Ye  uttered  pompously  when  at  the  feast 
In  Lemnos  sitting  ye  "devoured  the  flesh 
Of  horned  beeves,  and  drank  from  bowls  of  wine, 
Flower-crowned,  and   bragged    that   each   of  you 

would  be  295 

A  match  for  fivescore  Trojans,  or  for  twice 
Fivescore  ?     And  now  we  all  are  not  a  match 
For  Hector  singly,  who  will  give  our  fleet 
Soon  to  consuming  flames.     O  Father  Jove, 
Was  ever  mighty  monarch  visited  3°° 

By  thee  with  such  affliction,  or  so  robbed 
Of  high  renown  !     And  yet  in  my  good  ship, 
Bound  to  this  luckless  coast,  I  never  passed 
By  thy  fair  altars  that  I  did  not  burn 
The  fat  and  thighs  of  oxen,  with  a  prayer  w 


Book   VIII.  »    207 

That  I  might  sack  the  well-defended  Troy. 
Now  be  at  least  one  wish  of  mine  fulfilled,  — 
That  we  may  yet  escape  and  get  us  hence  ; 
Nor  let  the  Trojans  thus  destroy  the  Greeks." 

He  spake,  and  wept.  The  All-Father,  pitying  him, 
Consented  that  his  people  should  escape  s» 

The  threatened  ruin.     Instantly  he  sent 
His  eagle,  bird  of  surest  augury, 
Which,  bearing  in  his  talons  a  young  fawn, 
The  offspring  of  a  nimble-footed  roe,  sis 

Dropped  it  at  the  fair  altar  where  the  Greeks 
Paid  sacrifice  to  Panomphagan  Jove. 

And  they,  when  they  beheld,  and  knew  that  Jove 
Had  sent  the  bird,  took  courage,  rallying, 
And  rushed  against  the  Trojans.    Then  no  chief  3=0 
Of  all  the  Greeks  —  though  many  they — could  boast 
That  he  before  Tydides  urged  his  steeds 
To  sudden  speed  and  drave  them  o'er  the  trench, 
And  mingled  in  the  combat.     First  of  all 
He  struck  down  Agelaus,  Phradmon's  son,  3=5 

Armed  as  he  was,  who  turned  his  car  to  fly, 
And  as  he  turned,  Tydides  with  his  spear 
Transfixed  his  back  between  the  shoulder-blades, 
And  drave  the  weapon  through  his  breast.     He  fell 
To  earth,  his  armor  clashing  with  his  fall.  n° 

Then  Agamemnon  followed,  and  with  him 
His  brother  Menelaus  ;  after  these 
The  chieftains  Ajax,  fearful  in  their  strength  ; 
Idomeneus,  and  he  who  bore  his  arms,  — 


208   .  The  Iliad. 

Meriones,  like  Mars  in  battle-field  ;  335 

Eurypylus,  Evaemon's  glorious  son  ; 
And  ninthly  Teucer  came,  who  bent  his  bow 
Beneath  the  shield  of  Ajax  Telamon,  — 
For  Ajax  moved  his  shield  from  side  to  side, 
And  thence  the  archer  looked  abroad,  and  aimed  j« 
His  arrows  thence.     Whoever  in  the  throng 
Was  struck  fell  lifeless.     Teucer  all  the  while, 
As  hides  a  child  behind  his  mother's  robe, 
Sheltered  himself  by  Ajax,  whose  great  shield 
Concealed  the  chief  from  sight.      What  Trojan  first 
Did  faithful  Teucer  slay  ?     Orsilochus,  340 

Daetor,  and  Ophelestes,  Ormenus, 
Chromius,  and  Lycophontes  nobly  born, 
And  Hamopaon,  Polyasmon's  son, 
And  Melanippus,  —  one  by  one  the  shafts  350 

Of  Teucer  stretched  them  on  their  mother  earth. 
Then  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,  rejoiced 
As  he  beheld  him,  with  his  sturdy  bow, 
Breaking  the  serried  phalanxes  of  Troy  ; 
And  came,  and,  standing  near,  bespake  him  thus  :  — 
"  Beloved  Teucer  !  son  of  Telamon,  350 

Prince  of  the  people  !  ever  be  thy  shafts 
Aimed  thus,  and  thou  shalt  be  the  light  and  pride 
Of  Greece,  and  of  thy  father  Telamon, 
Who  reared  thee  from  a  little  child  with  care        & 
In  his  own  halls,  though  spurious  was  thy  birth. 
Go  on  to  do  him  honor,  though  he  now 
Be  far  away.     And  here  I  say  to  thee,  — 


Book    /7//.  209 

And  I  will  keep  my  word, —  if  Jupiter 

The  ^Egis-bearer  and  Minerva  deign  365 

To  let  me  level  the  strong  walls  of  Troy, 

To  thee  will  I  assign  the  noblest  prize 

After  my  own,  —  a  tripod,  or  two  steeds 

And  chariot,  or  a  wife  to  share  thy  bed." 

And  thus  the  blameless  Teucer  made  reply  :  —  37° 
"  Why,  glorious  son  of  Atreus,  wouldst  thou  thus 
Admonish  me,  while  yet  I  do  my  best, 
And  pause  not  in  the  combat  ?     From  the  time 
When  we  began  to  drive  the  enemy  back 
To  Ilium,  I  have  smitten  and  have  slain  3-5 

Their  warriors  with  my  bow.  Eight  barbed  shafts 
I  sent,  and  each  has  pierced  some  warlike  youth  ; 
But  this  fierce  wolf-dog  have  I  failed  to  strike." 

He  spake,  and  sent  another  arrow  forth 
At  Hector  with  an  eager  aim.     It  missed  3* 

Its  mark,  but  struck  Gorgythion  down,  the  brave 
And  blameless  son  of  Priam  ;  through  his  breast 
The  arrow  went.     Fair  Castianira  brought 
The  warrior  forth,  —  a  dame  from  ^Esyma, 
Beautiful  as  a  goddess.     As  within  38; 

A  garden  droops  a  poppy  to  the  ground, 
Bowed  by  its  weight  and  by  the  rains  of  spring, 
So  drooped  his  head  within  the  heavy  casque. 

And  then  did  Teucer  send  another  shaft 
At  Hector,  eager  still  to  smite.     It  missed  i9< 

Its  aim  again,  for  Phcebus  turned  aside 
The  arrow,  but  it  struck  the  charioteer 

N 


2io  The  Iliad. 

Of  Hector,  Archeptolemus  the  brave, 
When  rushing  to  the  fight,  and  pierced  his  breast 
Close  to  the  nipple  ;  from  the  car  he  fell,  395 

The  swift  steeds  started  back,  and  from  his  limbs 
The  life  and  strength  departed.     A  deep  grief 
For  his  slain  charioteer  came  darkly  o'er 
The  mind  of  Hector,  yet,  though  sorrowing, 
He  left  him  where  he  fell,  and  straightway  called  400 
Cebriones,  his  brother,  who  was  near, 
To  mount  and  take  the  reins.     Cebriones 
Heard  and  obeyed.     Then  from  the  shining  car 
Leaped  Hector  with  a  mighty  cry,  and  seized 
A  ponderous  stone,  and,  bent  to  crush  him,  ran   40= 
At  Teucer,  who  had  from  his  quiver  drawn 
One  of  his  sharpest  arrows,  placing  it 
Upon  the  bowstring.     As  he  drew  the  bow, 
The  strong-armed  Hector  hurled  the  jagged  stone, 
And  smote  him  near  the  shoulder,  where  the  neck 
And  breast  are  sundered  by  the  collar-bone,  —    4» 
A  fatal  spot.     The  bowstring  brake  ;  the  arm 
Fell  nerveless  ;  on  his  knees  the  archer  sank, 
And  dropped  the  bow.     Then  did  not  Ajax  leave 
His  fallen  brother  to  the  foe,  but  walked  415 

Around  him,  sheltering  him  beneath  his  shield, 
Till  two  dear  friends  of  his  —  Menestheus,  son 
Of  Echius,  and  Alastor  nobly  born  — 
Approached,  and  took  him  up  and  carried  him, 
Heavily  groaning,  to  the  hollow  ships.  4=c 

Then  did  Olympian  Jove  again  inspire 


Book   VI I L  21 1 

The  Trojan  host  with  valor,  and  they  drave 

The  Achaians  backward  to  the  yawning  trench. 

Then  Hector  came,  with  fury  in  his  eyes, 

Among  the  foremost  warriors.     As  a  hound,         425 

Sure  of  his  own  swift  feet,  attacks  behind 

The  lion  or  wild  boar,  and  tears  his  flank, 

Yet  warily  observes  him  as  he  turns, 

So  Hector  followed  close  the  long-haired  Greeks, 

And  ever  slew  the  hindmost  as  they  fled.  43° 

Yet  now,  when  they  in  flight  had  crossed  again 

The  trench  and  palisades,  and  many  a  one 

Had  died  by  Trojan  hands,  they  made  a  halt 

Before  their  ships,  and  bade  each  other  stand, 

And  lifted  up  their  hands  and  prayed  aloud          435 

To  all  the  gods  ;  while  Hector,  urging  on 

His   long-maned  steeds,  and  with  stern  eyes  that 

seemed 

The  eyes  of  Gorgon  or  of  murderous  Mars, 
Hither  and  thither  swept  across  the  field. 

The  white-armed  Juno  saw,  and,  sorrowing,       440 
Addressed  Minerva  with  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  Ah  me  !  thou  daughter  of  the  God  who  bears 
The  aegis,  shall  we  not  descend  to  aid 
The  perishing  Greeks  in  their  extremity  ? 
A  cruel  doom  is  theirs,  to  fall,  destroyed  445 

By  one  man's  rage,  — the  terrible  assault 
Of  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  who  has  made 
Insufferable  havoc  in  the  field." 

And  thus  in  turn  the  blue-eyed  Pallas  spake  ;  — 


212  The  Iliad. 

"That  warrior  long  ere  this  had  lost  his  life,         45 
Slain  by  the  Greeks  on  his  paternal  soil, 
But  that  my  father's  mind  is  warped  by  wrath. 
Unjust  to  me  and  harsh,  he  thwarts  my  aims, 
Forgetting  all  I  did  for  Hercules, 
His  son,  —  how  often,  when  Eurystheus  set          45 
A  task  too  hard  for  him,  I  saved  his  life. 
To  heaven  he  raised  his  eyes  and  wept,  and  jcve 
Despatched  me  instantly  to  succor  him. 
And  yet  if  I,  in  my  forecasting  mind, 
Had  known  all  this  when  he  was  bid  to  bring       4& 
From  strong-walled  Erebus  the  dog  of  hell, 
He  had  not  safely  crossed  the  gulf  of  Styx. 
But  now  Jove  hates  me  ;  now  he  grants  the  wish 
Of  Thetis,  who  hath  kissed  his  knees  and  touched 
His  beard  caressingly,  and  prayed  that  he  46 

Would  crown  the  overthrower  of  walled  towns, 
Achilles,  with  great  honor.     Well,  the  time 
Will  come  when  he  shall  call  me  yet  again 
His  dear  Minerva.     Hasten  now  to  yoke 
For  us  thy  firm-paced  steeds,  while  in  the  halls     4?< 
Of  aegis-bearing  Jupiter  I  brace 
My  armor  on  for  war,  —  and  I  shall  see 
If  Hector  of  the  beamy  helm,  the  son 
Of  Priam,  will  rejoice  when  we  appear 
Upon  the  field  again.     Assuredly  47? 

The  men  of  Troy  shall  die,  to  feast  the  birds 
Of  prey  and  dogs  beside  the  Grecian  fleet." 
She  ended,  and  the  white-armed  deity 


Book   VI I L  213 

Jano  obeyed  her.     Juno  the  august, 

The  mighty  Saturn's  daughter,  hastily  480 

Caparisoned  the  golden-bitted  steeds. 

Meanwhile,  Minerva  on  the  palace-floor 

Of  Jupiter  let  drop  the  gorgeous  robe 

Of  many  hues,  which  her  own  hands  had  wrought, 

And,  putting  on  the  Cloud-compeller's  mail,          435 

Stood  armed  for  cruel  war.    And  then  she  climbed 

The  glorious  car,  and  took  in  hand  the  spear  — 

Huge,  heavy,  strong  —  with  which  she  overthrows 

The  serried  phalanxes  of  valiant  men 

Whene'er  this  daughter  of  the  Almighty  One         490 

Is  angered.     Juno  bore  the  lash,  and  urged 

The  coursers  to  their  speed.     The  gates  of  heaven 

Opened  before  them  of  their  own  accord,  — 

Gates  guarded  by  the  Hours,  on  whom  the  care 

Of  the  great  heaven  and  of  Olympus  rests,  495 

To  open  or  to  close  the  wall  of  cloud. 

Through  these  they  guided  their  impatient  steeds. 

From  Ida  Jupiter  beheld,  in  wrath, 
And  summoned  Iris  of  the  golden  wings, 
And  bade  her  do  this  errand  :  "  Speed  thee  hence,  500 
Fleet  Iris  !  turn  them  back  ;  allow  them  not 
Thus  to  defy  me  :  it  is  not  for  them 
To  engage  with  me  in  war.     I  give  my  word,  — 
Nor  shall  it  lack  fulfilment,  —  I  will  make 
The  swift  steeds  lame  that  draw  their  car,  and  hurl 
The  riders  down,  and  dash  the  car  itself  506 

To  fragments.     Ten  long  years  shall  wear  away 


214  The  Iliad. 

Before  they  cease  to  suffer  from  the  wounds 

Made  by  the  thunderbolt.     Minerva  thus 

May  learn  the  fate  of  those  who  strive  with  Jove  n- 

With  Juno  I  am  less  displeased,  for  she 

Is  ever  bent  to  thwart  my  purposes." 

He  spake  ;  and  Iris,  with  the  tempest's  speed 
Departing,  bore  the  message  from  the  heights 
Of  Ida  to  the  great  Olympus,  where,  si 

Among  the  foremost  passes  of  the  mount, 
All  seamed  with  hollow  vales,  she  met  and  stayed 
The  pair,  delivering  thus  the  word  of  Jove  :  — 

"  Now  whither  haste  ye  ?     What  strange  madness 

fires 

Your  breasts  ?     The  son  of  Saturn  suffers  not       s=° 
That  ye  befriend  the  Greeks.     He  threatens  thus,  — 
And  will  fulfil  his  threat,  —  that  he  will  make 
The  coursers  lame  that  draw  your  car,  and  hurl 
The  riders  down,  and  dash  the  car  itself 
To  fragments,  and  that  ten  long  years  must  pass  ^ 
Ere  ye  shall  cease  to  suffer  from  the  wounds 
Made  by  the  thunderbolt.     So  shalt  thou  learn, 
O  Pallas !  what  it  is  to  strive  with  Jove. 
With  Juno  is  he  less  displeased,  for  she 
Is  ever  bent  to  thwart  his  purposes  ;  *& 

But  thou,  he  says,  art  guilty  above  all, 
And  shameless  as  a  hound,  if  thou  dare  lift 
Thy  massive  spear  against  thy  father  Jove." 

So  spake  fleet-footed  Iris,  and  withdrew  ; 
And  thus  again  to  Pallas  Juno  said  :  —  &. 


Book   VI I L  215 

"Child  of  the  ^Egis-bearer !  let  us  strive 
With  Jove  no  longer  for  the  sake  of  men, 
But  let  one  perish  and  another  live, 
As  chance  may  rule  the  hour,  and  let  the  God, 
Communing  with  his  secret  mind,  mete  out  54° 

To  Greeks  and  Trojans  their  just  destiny." 

She  spake,  and  turned  the  firm-paced  coursers 

back, 

The  coursers  with  fair-flowing  manes.     The  Hours 
Unyoked  them,  bound  them  to  the  ambrosial  stalls, 
And  leaned  against  the  shining  walls  the  car ;        545 
While  Juno  and  Minerva  went  among 
The  other  deities  and  took  their  place 
Upon  their  golden  seats,  though  sad  at  heart. 
Then  with  his  steeds,  and  in  his  bright-wheeled  car, 
Came  Jove  from  Ida  to  the  dwelling-place  «» 

Of  gods  upon  Olympus.     There  did  he 
Wrho  shakes  the  islands  loose  the  steeds  and  bring 
The  chariot  to  its  place,  and  o'er  it  spread 
Its  covering  of  lawn.     The  Thunderer 
Seated  himself  upon  his  golden  throne,  555 

The  great  Olympus  trembling  as  he  stepped  ; 
While  Juno  and  Minerva  sat  apart 
Together,  nor  saluted  him,  nor  asked 
Of  aught  ;    but    he   perceived   their   thoughts    and 
said  :  — 

"  Juno  and  Pallas!  why  so  sad  ?     Not  long       S& 
Ye  toiled  in  glorious  battle  to  destroy 
The  Trojans,  whom  ye  hold  in  bitter  hate  : 


216  The  Iliad. 

This  strength  of  mine,  and  this  invincible  arm 
Not  all  the  gods  upon  the  Olympian  mount 
Can  turn  to  flight,  while  your  fair  limbs  were  seized 
With  trembling  ere  ye  entered  on  the  shock  s«> 

And  havoc  of  the  war.     Now  let  me  say  — 
And  well  the  event  would  have  fulfilled  my  words  — 
That,  smitten  with  the  thunder  from  my  hand, 
Your  chariots  never  would  have  brought  you  back  ^ 
To  this  Olympus  and  the  abode  of  gods." 

He  spake  ;  while  Pallas  and  the  queen  of  heaven 
Repined  with  close-pressed  lips,  and  in  their  hearts 
Devised  new  mischiefs  for  the  Trojan  race. 
Silent  Minerva  sat,  nor  dared  express  575 

The  anger  that  she  bore  her  father  Jove  ; 
But  Juno  could  not  curb  her  wrath,  and  spake  :  — 

"  What  words,  austere  Saturnius,  hast  thou  said  ? 
Thou  art,  we  know,  invincible  in  might  ; 
Yet  must  we  sorrow  for  the  heroic  Greeks,  58° 

Who,  by  a  cruel  fate,  are  perishing. 
We  stand  aloof  from  war,  if  thou  require  ; 
Yet  would  we  counsel  the  Achaian  host, 
Lest  by  thy  wrath  they  perish  utterly." 

And  then  the  Cloud-compeller,  answering,  said  :  — 
"  O  Juno,  large-eyed  and  august,  if  thou  586 

Look  forth  to-morrow,  thou  shalt  then  behold 
The  all-powerful  son  of  Saturn  laying  waste 
With  greater  havoc  still  the  mighty  host 
Of  warlike  Greeks.     For  Hector,  great  in  war,      59* 
Shall  pause  not  from  the  conflict,  till  he  rouse 


Book    VII L  217 

The  swift-paced  son  of  Peieus  at  the  ships, 

When,  pent  in  narrow  space,  the  armies  fight 

For  slain  Patroclus  :  such  the  will  of  fate. 

As  for  thyself,  I  little  heed  thy  rage  :  593 

Not  even  shoulclst  thou  wander  to  the  realm 

Where  earth  and  ocean  end,  where  Saturn  sits 

Beside  lapetus,  and  neither  light 

Of  overgoing  suns  nor  breath  of  wind 

Refreshes  them,  but  gulfs  of  Tartarus 

Surround  them,  —  shouldst  thou  even  thither  bend 

Thy  way,  1  shall  not  heed  thy  rage,  who  art 

Beyond  .all  others  shamelessly  perverse." 

He  ceased  ;  but  white-armed  Juno  answered  not. 
And  now  into  the  sea  the  sun's  bright  light  t°s 

Went  down,  and  o'er  the  foodful  earth  was  drawn 
Night's  shadow.      Most  unwillingly  the  sons 
Of  Troy  beheld  the  sunset.     To  the  Greeks 
Eagerly  wished  the  welcome  darkness  came. 

Then  from  the  fleet  illustrious  Hector  led          6«> 
The  Trojans,  and  beside  the  eddying  stream, 
I.i  a  clear  space  uncumbered  by  the  slain, 
Held  council.     There,  alighting  from  their  cars, 
They  listened  to  the  words  that  Hector  spake,  — 
Hector,  beloved  of  Jove.     He  held  a  spear,  6iS 

In  length  eleven  cubits,  with  a  blade 
Of  glittering  brass,  bound  with  a  ring  of  gold. 
On  this  he  leaned,  and  spake  these  winged  words :  — 

"  Hear  me,  ye  Trojans,  Dardans,  and  allies. 
But  now  I  thought  that,  having  first  destroyed       '•*> 

VOL.     I  JO 


21 8  The  Iliad. 

The  Achaian  host  and  fleet,  we  should  return 
This  night  to  wind-swept  Ilium.  To  their  aid 
The  darkness  comes,  and  saves  the  Greeks,  and 

saves 

Their  galleys  ranged  along  the  ocean-side. 
Obey  we,  then,  the  dark-browed  night  ;  prepare    (*s 
Our  meal  ;  unyoke  the  steeds  with  flowing  manes, 
And  set  their  food  before  them.     Bring  at  once 
Oxen  and  fadings  of  the  flock  from  town, 
And  from  your  dwellings  bread  and  pleasant  wine. 
And  let  us  gather  store  of  wood,  to  feed  630 

A  multitude  of  blazing  fires  all  night, 
Till  Morning,  daughter  of  the  Dawn,  appear,  — 
Fires  that  shall  light  the  sky,  lest  in  the  hours 
Of  darkness  with  their  ships  the  long-haired  Greeks 
Attempt  escape  across  the  mighty  deep.  e35 

And,  that  they  may  not  climb  their  decks  unharmed, 
Let  every  foeman  bear  a  wound  to  cure 
At  home,  —  an  arrow-wound  or  gash  of  spear, 
Given  as  he  leaps  on  board.     So  other  foes 
Shall  dread  a  conflict  with  the  knights  of  Troy.    64o 
And  let  the  heralds,  dear  to  Jove,  command 
That  all  grown  youths  and  hoary-headed  men 
Keep  watch  about  the  city  in  the  towers 
Built  by  the  gods  ;  and  let  the  feebler  sex 
Kindle  large  fires  upon  their  hearths  at  home  ;     645 
And  let  the  guard  be  strengthened,  lest  the  foe 
Should  steal  into  the  city  while  its  sons 
Are  all  abroad.     Thus  let  it  be  till  morn, 


Book   VIII.  219 

Brave  Trojans  !     I  but  speak  of  what  the  time 

Requires,  and  on  the  morrow  I  shall  speak  6& 

Of  what  the  Trojan  knights  have  then  to  do. 

My  prayer  to  Jove  and  to  the  other  gods, 

And  my  hope  is,  that  I  may  drive  away 

These  curs,  brought  hither  by  an  evil  fate 

In  their  black  ships.     All  night  will  we  keep  watch, 

And,  arming,  with  the  early  morn  renew  e56 

The  desperate  conflict  at  the  hollow  ships. 

Then  shall  I  see  if  valiant  Diomed 

Tydides  has  the  power  to  make  me  leave 

The  Grecian  galleys  for  the  city-walls,  660 

Or  whether  I  shall  slay  him  with  my  spear 

And  take  his  bloody  spoils.     To-morrow's  sun 

Will  make  his  valor  known,  if  he  withstand 

The  assault  of  this  my  weapon.     Yet  I  think 

The  sunrise  will  behold  him  slain  among 

The  first,  with  many  comrades  lying  round. 

Would  that  I  knew  myself  as  certainly 

Secure  from  death  and  the  decays  of  age, 

And  to  be  held  in  honor  like  the  gods 

Apollo  and  Minerva,  as  I  know  67» 

This  day  will  bring  misfortune  to  the  Greeks  !  " 

So  Hector  spake,  and  all  the  Trojan  host 
Applauded  ;  from  the  yoke  forthwith  they  loosed 
The  sweaty  steeds,  and  bound  them  to  the  cars 
With  halters  ;  to  the  town  they  sent  in  haste         e7i 
For  oxen  and  the  fallings  of  the  flock, 
And  to  their  homes  for  bread  and  pleasant  wine, 


22O  The  Iliad. 

And  gathered  fuel  in  large  store.     The  winds 
Bore  up  the  fragrant  fumes  from  earth  to  heaven. 

So,  high  in  hope,  they  sat  the  whole  night  through 
In  warlike  lines,  and  many  watch-fires  blazed.       est 
As  when  in  heaven  the  stars  look  brightly  forth 
Round  the  clear-shining  moon,  while  not  a  breeze 
Stirs  in  the  depths  of  air,  and  all  the  stars 
Are  seen,  and  gladness  fills  the  shepherd's  heart,  ess 
So  many  fires  in  sight  of  Ilium  blazed, 
Lit  by  the  sons  of  Troy,  between  the  ships 
And  eddying  Xanthus  :  on  the  plain  there  shone 
A  thousand  ;  fifty  warriors  by  each  fire 
Sat  in  its  light.     Their  steeds  beside  the  cars  —  ^ 
Champing  their  oats  and  their  white  barley  —  stood, 
And  waited  for  the  golden  morn  to  rise. 


BOOK    IX. 

THE  Trojans  thus  kept  watch  ;  while 'through 
the  night 

The  power  of  Flight,  companion  of  cold  Fear, 
Wrought  on  the  Greeks,  and  all  their  bravest  men 
Were  bowed  beneath  a  sorrow  hard  to  bear. 
As  when  two  winds  upturn  the  fishy  deep,  — 
The  north  wind  and  the  west,  that  suddenly 
Blow  from  theThracian  coast  ;  the  black  waves  rise 
At  once,  and  fling  the  sea-weed  to  the  shore,  — 


Rook  IX.  221 

Thus  were  the  Achaians  troubled  in  their  hearts. 

Atrides,  deeply  grieving,  walked  the  camp,         « 
And  bade  the  clear-voiced  heralds  call  by  name 
To  council  all  the  chiefs,  but  not  aloud. 
The  king  himself  among  the  foremost  gave 
The  summons.     Sadly  that  assembly  took 
Their  seats  ;  and  Agamemnon  in  the  midst  »s 

Rose,  shedding  tears,  —  as  down  a  lofty  rock, 
Darkening  its  face,  a  fountain's  waters  flow,  — 
And,  deeply  sighing,  thus  addressed  the  Greeks  : — 

"  O  friends !  the  chiefs  and  princes  of  the  Greeks ! 
Saturnian  Jove  hath  in  an  evil  snare  =° 

Most  cruelly  entangled  me.     He  gave 
His  promise  once  that  I  should  overthrow 
This  strong-walled  Ilium,  and  return  ;  but  now 
He  meditates  a  fraud,  and  sends  me  back 
To  Argos  without  glory,  and  with  loss  =5 

Of  many  warriors.     Thus  doth  it  seem  good 
Doubtless  to  Jove  Almighty,  who  hath  cast 
The  towers  of  many  a  city  down  to  earth, 
And  will  cast  others  down,  —  his  might  excels 
All  other  might.     But  let  us  now  obey,  30 

As  I  shall  counsel  you,  and  in  our  ships 
Haste  to  our  own  dear  country  ;  for  I  see 
That  Troy  with  its  broad  streets  can  ne'er  be  ours." 

He  spake  ;  and  all  were  silent.     Silent  long 
Remained  the  sorrow-stricken  sons  of  Greece,       & 
Till  Diomed,  the  brave  in  battle,  spake  :  — 

"  First  of  the  chiefs  I  speak,  to  disapprove, 


222  The  Iliad. 

Atrides,  thy  rash  purpose  :  't  is  my  right 

In  council  ;  nor,  O  king,  be  thou  displeased. 

Thou  first  among  the  Greeks  hast  taunted  me        40 

With  lack  of  valor,  calling  me  unapt 

For  war  and  weak  of  arm.     The  young  and  old 

Have  heard  the  taunt.     One  of  two  gifts  the  son 

Of  wily  Saturn  hath  bestowed  on  thee  : 

High  rank  and  rule  o'er  all  the  rest  he  gave,          45 

But  gave  thee  not  the  nobler  quality 

Of  fortitude.     Dost  thou  then  truly  deem 

The  Greeks  unapt  for  war  and  weak  of  arm, 

As  thou  hast  said  ?     Thou  longest  to  return  : 

Go,  then  ;  the  way  is  open  ;  by  the  sea  so 

The  barks  that  brought  thee  from  Mycenae  lie, 

A  numerous  fleet.     Yet  others  will  remain  — 

Long-haired  Achaians  —  till  we  overthrow 

The  city.     Should  they  also  pine  for  home, 

Then  let  them  flee,  with  all  their  ships  ;  while  I    55 

With  Sthenelus  fight  on  until  we  make 

An  end  of  Troy,  —  for  with  the  gods  we  came." 

He  spake.    The  Greeks  applauded  ;  all  admired 
The  words  of  the  horse-tamer  Diomed. 
Nestor  the  knight  then  rose,  and  thus  he  spake  :  — 

"  O  son  of  Tydeus,  eminently  brave  «' 

Art  thou  among  thy  comrades  in  the  field, 
And  great  in  council.     No  one  here  condemns 
The  sentence  thou  hast  given  ;  among  the  Greeks 
Is  no  one  who  denies  what  thou  hast  said  ;  65 

Yet  hast  thou  not  said  all.     Thy  years  are  few,  — 


Book  IX.  223 

So  few,  thou  mightest  be  my  youngest  son  ; 
And  yet  thou  speakest  wisely  to  the  kings 
Of  Greece,  and  thy  discourse  is  just  and  right. 
Now  I,  who  boast  of  far  more  years  than  thou,       ?• 
Will  speak  of  this  that  yet  remains,  and  none  — 
Not  even  Agamemnon  —  will  gainsay 
What  I  advise.     A  wretch  without  a  tie 
Of  kin,  a  lawless  man  without  a  home, 
Is  he  who  takes  delight  in  civil  strifes.  75 

But  let  us  now  give  way  to  the  dark  night, 
And  make  our  banquets  ready.     Let  the  guards 
Lie  down  within  the  trenches  which  we  digged 
Without  the  wall  :  be  this  the  young  men's  charge. 
And  thou,  Atrides,  do  thou  now  begin,  so 

Who  art  supreme,  and  make  a  feast  for  all 
The  elder  chiefs  ;  it  shall  become  thee  well  : 
Thy  tents  are  full  of  wine,  which  ships  from  Thrace 
Bring  every  day  across  the  mighty  deep, 
And  thou  hast  all  things  ready,  and  a  host  as 

Of  menials.     Then,  when  many  throng  the  board, 
Thou  shalt  defer  to  him  who  counsels  thee 
Most  wisely  ;  for  the  Greeks  have  urgent  need 
Of  prudent  counsels,  when  the  foe  so  close 
Beside  our  galleys  lights  his  multitude  90 

Of  watch-fires.     Who  that  sees  them  can  rejoice  '! 
This  night  will  rescue  or  destroy  our  host." 

He  spake.     They  listened  all,  and  willingly 
Obeyed  him.     Forth  in  armor  went  the  guards, 
Led  by  the  chieftain  Thrasymedes,  son  95 


224  The  Iliad. 

Of  Nestor,  by  Ascalaphus,  who  claimed 

His  birth  from  Mars,  and  by  lalmenus 

His  brother,  and  Dei'pyrus,  with  whom 

There  followed  Aphareus,  Meriones, 

And  Lycomedes,  Creon's  noble  son.  100 

Seven  were  the  leaders  of  the  guards  ;  with  each 

A  hundred  youths  in  warlike  order  marched, 

Bearing  long  spears  ;  and  when  they  reached  the 

space 

Between  the  trench  and  wall  they  sat  them  down, 
And  kindled  fires  and  made  their  evening  meal.  105 

Atrides  brought  the  assembled  elder  chiefs 
To  his  pavilion,  and  before  them  set 
A  generous  banquet.     They  put  forth  their  hands 
And  shared  the  feast ;  and  when  the  calls  of  thirst 
And  hunger  ceased,  the  aged  Nestor  first  no 

Began  to  counsel  them  ;  the  chief,  whose  words 
Had  lately  seemed  of  wisest  import,  now 
Addressed  the  assembly  with  well-ordered  speech  •-— 

"  Atrides  Agamemnon,  glorious  king  ! 
What  I  shall  say  begins  and  ends  with  thee,          »5 
For  thou  dost  rule  o'er  many  nations.     Jove 
Hath  given  to  thee  the  sceptre,  and  the  power 
To  make  their  laws,  that  thou  mayst  seek  their  good. 
Thou,  therefore,  of  all  men,  shouldst  speak  and  hear 
In  council,  and  shouldst  follow  willingly  «« 

Another's  judgment  when  it  best  promotes 
The  general  weal  ;  for  all  depends  on  thee. 
Now  let  me  say  what  seems  to  me  most  wise  ; 


Book  IX.  22  5 

For  better  counsel  none  can  give  than  this 

Which  now  I  meditate,  and  which  to  give  «5 

I  purposed  from  the  hour  when  thou,  great  king, 

Didst  bear  the  maid  Briseis  from  the  tent 

Of  the  enraged  Achilles,  unapproved 

By  me,  who  strove  to  change  thy  rash  design. 

Then  didst  thou  yield  thee  to  thy  haughty  will,     '30 

And  didst  dishonor  a  most  valiant  man, 

Whom  the  immortals  honor.     Thou  didst  take 

And  still  dost  keep  the  prize  he  fairly  won. 

Let  it  be  now  our  study  to  appease 

The  hero  with  large  gifts  and  soothing  words."      135 

Then  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,  replied  :  — 
"  O  ancient  man,  most  truly  hast  thou  named 
My  faults.     I  erred,  and  I  deny  it  not. 
That  man  indeed  is  equal  to  a  host 
Whom  Jupiter  doth  love  and  honor  thus,  HO 

Humbling  the  Achaian  people  for  his  sake. 
And  now,  since,  yiejding  to  my  wayward  mood 
I  erred,  let  me  appease  him,  if  I  may, 
With  gifts  of  priceless  worth.     Before  you  all 
1  number  them,  —  seven  tripods  which  the  fire     us 
Hath  never  touched,  six  talents  of  pure  gold, 
And  twenty  shining  caldrons,  and  twelve  steeds 
Of  hardy  frame,  victorious  in  the  race, 
Whose  feet  have  won  me  prizes  in  the  games. 
No  beggar  would  he  be,  nor  yet  with  store  i* 

Of  gold  unfurnished,  in  whose  coffers  lay 
The  prizes  those  swift  steeds  have  brought  to  me. 


226  The  Iliad. 

Seven  faultless  women,  skilled  in  household  arts, 

I  give  moreover,  —  Lesbians,  whom  I  chose 

When  he  o'erran  the  populous  Lesbian  isle,  —      iss 

Damsels  in  beauty  who  excel  their  sex. 

These  I  bestow,  and  with  them  I  will  send 

Her  whom  I  took  away,  —  Briseis,  pure  — 

I  swear  it  with  a  mighty  oath  —  as  pure 

As  when  she  left  his  tent.     All  these  I  give  !&> 

At  once  ;  and  if  by  favor  of  the  gods 

We  lay  the  mighty  city  of  Priam  waste, 

He  shall  load  down  his  galley  with  large  store 

Of  gold  and  silver,  entering  first  when  we, 

The  Greeks,  divide  the  spoil.    Then  may  he  choose 

Twice  ten  young  Trojan  women,  beautiful  M 

Beyond  their  sex  save  Helen.     If  we  come 

Safe  to  Achaian  Argos,  richly  stocked 

With  milky  kine,  he  may  become  to  me 

A  son-in-law,  and  cherished  equally  «?• 

With  my  sole  son  Orestes,  who  is  reared 

Most  royally.     Three  daughters  there,  within 

My  stately  palace-walls,  • —  Chrysothemis, 

Laodice,  and  Iphianassa,  —  dwell, 

And  he  may  choose  among  them,  and  may  lead   ^ 

Home  to  the  house  of  Peleus  her  who  best 

Deserves  his  love.     Nor  need  he  to  endow 

The  bride,  for  I  will  give  an  ampler  dower 

Than  ever  father  to  his  daughter  gave,  — 

Seven  cities  with  thronged  streets,  — Cardamyle,  & 

Enope,  grassy  Hira,  Pherae  famed 


Book  IX.  227 

Afar,  Antheia  with  rich  pasture-fields, 

/Epeia  beautiful,  and  Pedasus 

With  all  its  vineyards  ;  all  are  near  the  sea, 

And  stand  the  last  before  you  reach  the  coast       185 

Of  sandy  Pylos.     Rich  in  flocks  and  herds 

Their  dwellers  are,  and  they  will  honor  him 

As  if  he  were  a  god,  and,  ruled  by  him, 

Will  pay  large  tribute.     These  will  I  bestow, 

Let  but  his  anger  cool  and  his  resolve .  190 

Give  way.     'T  is  Pluto  who  is  deaf  to  prayer 

And  ne'er  relents,  and  he,  of  all  the  gods, 

Most  hateful  is  to  men.     Now  let  the  son 

Of  Peleus  yield  at  length  to  me,  who  stand 

Above  him  in 'authority  and  years."  195 

Then  answered  Nestor  the  Gerenian  knight :  — 
"  Atrides  Agamemnon  !  glorious  king  ! 
Gifts  not  to  be  contemned  thou  offerest 
To  Prince  Achilles.     Let  us  now  despatch 
A  chosen  embassy,  who  shall  proceed  «» 

At  once  to  where  Pel  ides  holds  his  tent. 
I  name  the  men  ;  and  cheerfully  will  they 
Perform  the  duty  :  Phoenix,  dear  to  Jove, 
Shall  be  their  leader,  mighty  Ajax  next, 
And  then  high-born  Ulysses  ;  heralds  twain          =05 
Shall  follow,  —  Hodius  ana  Eurybates. 
And  now  be  water  brought  to  cleanse  our  hands, 
And  charge  be  given  that  no  ill-omened  word 
Be  uttered,  while  we  pray  that  Jupiter, 
The  son  of  Saturn,  will  assist  our  need."  ™ 


228  The  Iliad. 

He  spake  ;  and  all  approved  the  words  he  said. 
Then  poured  the  heralds  water  on  the  hands 
Of  those  who  sat.  The  young  men  crowned  with  wine 
The  goblets,  and  in  seemly  order  passed 
The  brimming  cups,  distributing  to  each.  =15 

Fart  to  the  gods  they  poured,  and  next  they  drank 
As  each  might  choose,  and  then  the  embassy 
Hastened  from  Agamemnon's  tent.     To  each 
Gerenian  Nestor  spake  in  turn,  and  fixed 
His  eyes  on  each  intently,  —  most  of  all 
Upon  Ulysses,  —  and  with  many  a  charge 
To  turn  Pelides  from  his  angry  mood. 
Along  the  edge  of  the  resounding  deep 
They  went,  and  as  they  walked  they  offered  prayer 
To  earth-embracing  Neptune,  that  their  words      225 
Might  move  the  great  soul  of  ^Eacides. 
And  now  they  came  where  lay  the  Myrmidons 
Among  their  tents  and  ships.     Achilles  there 
Drew  solace  from  the  music  of  a  harp 
Sweet-toned  and  shapely,  in  a  silver  frame,  230 

Part  of  the  spoil  he  took  when  he  o'erthrew 
Eetion's  town.     To  soothe  his  mood  he  sang 
The  deeds  of  heroes.     By  him  sat  alone 
Patroclus,  silent  till  the  song  should  cease. 
On  moved  the  messengers,  —  before  them  walked 
High-born  Ulysses,  — till  they  stood  beside  *i 

Achilles.      He  beheld,  and  with  the  harp 
Sprang  from  his  seat,  surprised.     Patroclus  sa\v 
The  heroes  also,  and  arose.     Their  hands 


Book  IX.  229 

The  swift  Achilles  took  in  his,  and  said  :  —  240 

"  Welcome  !  Ye  come  as  friends.     Some  press 
ing  cause 

Must  surely  bring  you  hither,  whom  I  prize, 
Wronged  as  I  am,  beyond  all  other  Greeks." 

Thus  speaking,  the  great  son  of  Peleus  led 
His  guests  still  farther  on,  and  seated  them  «« 

On  couches  spread  with  purple  coverings, 
And  thus  addressed  Patroclus,  who  was  near  :  — 

"  Son  of  Mencetius,  bring  a  larger  vase, 
And  mingle  purer  wine,  and  place  a  cup 
For  each,  since  these  are  most  beloved  friends,  —  =s» 
These  warriors  who  now  sit  beneath  my  roof." 

He  spake.     Patroclus  hearkened,  and  obeyed 
His  well-beloved  friend,  who  meantime  placed 
A  block  beside  the  fire,  and  on  it  laid 
Chines  of  a  sheep  and  of  a  fatling  goat,  255 

And  of  a  sow,  the  fattest  of  her  kind. 
Automedon  stood  by  and  held  them  fast ; 
Achilles  took  the  knife  and  skilfully 
Carved  them  in  portions,  and  transfixed  the  parts 
With  spits.     Patroclus,  the  divine  in  form,  ** 

Woke  to  a  blaze  the  fire  ;  and  when  the  flame 
Had  ceased  to  rise  he  raked  the  glowing  coals 
Apart,  and  o'er  them  stretched  the  spits,  and 

strewed, 

Raising  the  flesh,  the  sacred  salt  o'er  all. 
And  when  he  had  made  ready  and  had  spread      265 
The  banquet  on  the  board,  Patroclus  took 


230  TJic  Iliad, 

The  bread  and  offered  it  to  all  the  guests 

In  shapely  canisters.     Achilles  served 

The  meats,  and  took  his  seat  against  the  wall, 

In  front  of  great  Ulysses.     There  he  bade  270 

His  friend  Patroclus  offer  sacrifice, 

Casting  the  first  rich  morsels  to  the  flames. 

The  guests  put  forth  their  hands  and  shared  the 

feast ; 

And  when  the  calls  of  hunger  and  of  thirst 
Were  felt  no  longer,  Ajax  gave  a  nod 
To  Phcenix,  which  divine  Ulysses  saw. 
And  filled  his  cup  and  drank  to  Peleus'  son  :  — 

"  Thy  health,  Achilles  !     Princely  feasts  like  this 
Attend  us  both  in  Agamemnon's  tent 
And  here,  — for  here  is  all  that  makes  a  feast       =sc 
Complete  ;  yet  now  is  not  the  time  to  think 
Of  pleasant  banquets,  for  our  thoughts  are  turned  — 
O  Jove-born  warrior  !  —  to  a  fearful  time 
Of  slaughter,  and  the  fate  of  our  good  ships,  — 
Whether  we  save  them  harmless,  or  the  foe  ^ 

Destroy  them,  if  thou  put  not  on  thy  might. 
For  now  the  haughty  Trojans,  and  the  troops 
Who  come  from  far  to  aid  them,  pitch  their  camp 
Close  to  our  fleet  and  wall,  and  all  around 
Kindle  their  many  fires,  and  boast  that  we  ^ 

No  longer  have  the  power  to  drive  them  back 
From  our  black  galleys.     Jupiter,  the  son 
Of  Saturn,  shows  them  favorable  signs    ' 
With  lightnings  from  above  ;  and,  terrible 


Book  IX.  231 

In  aspect  and  in  valor,  Hector  makes  295 

Sad  havoc,  trusting  in  the  aid  of  Jove, 
And  neither  reverences  gods  nor  men, — 
Such  rage  possesses  him.     He  prays  that  soon 
The  morn  may  rise,  that  he  may  hew  the  prows 
From  all  our  ships  and  give  them  to  the  flames,    3™ 
And  slay  the  Greeks,  bewildered  with  the  smoke. 
For  me,  I  greatly  fear  the  gods  will  grant 
That  he  fulfil  his  threat,  and  that  our  doom 
Will  be  to  perish  on  the  Trojan  coast, 
And  far  away  from  Argos,  famed  for  steeds.          305 
Rise,  then,  though  late,  —  rise  with  a  resolute  mind, 
And  from  the  hard-pressed  sons  of  Greece  drive  back 
The  assailing  Trojans.     Thou  wilt  else  lament 
Hereafter,  when  the  evil  shall  be  done 
And  shall  admit  no  cure.     Bethink  thee  well         3™ 
How  from  the  Greeks  thou  mayst  avert  the  day 
Of  their  destruction.     O  my  friend,  when  first 
He  sent  thee  forth  to  Agamemnon's  help 
From  Phthia's  coast,  thy  father  Peleus  said  :  — 

"  '  My  child,  from  Juno  and  Minerva  comes      315 
The  gift  of  valor,  if  they  choose  to  give. 
But  curb  thou  the  high  spirit  in  thy  breast, 
For  gentle  ways  are  best,  and  keep  aloof 
From  sharp  contentions,  that  the  old  and  young 
Among  the  Greeks  may  honor  thee  the  more.'      3^ 

"  Such  was  the  old  man's  charge,  forgotten  now. 
Yield,  then,  and  lay  thy  wrath  aside.  Large  gifts 
Doth  Agamemnon  offer,  to  appease 


232  The  Iliad. 

Thy  wounded  spirit.     Hear  me,  if  thou  wilt, 

Recount  what  gifts  the  monarch  in  his  tent  v, 

Hath  promised  thee  :  —  Seven  tripods  which  the  fire 

Hath  never  touched  ;  six  talents  of  pure  gold  ; 

And  twenty  shining  caldrons  ;  and  twelve  steeds 

Of  hardy  frame,  victorious  in  the  race, 

Whose  feet  have  won  him  prizes  in  the  games,     w 

No  beggar  would  he  be,  nor  yet  with  store 

Of  gold  unfurnished,  in  whose  coffers  lay 

The  prizes  those  swift-footed  steeds  have  won. 

Seven  faultless  women,  skilled  in  household  arts, 

He  offers,  —  Lesbians,  whom  he  chose  when  thou 

Didst  overrun  the  populous  Lesbian  isle,  —  136 

In  beauty  eminent  among  their  sex. 

These  he  bestows,  and  with  them  he  will  send 

Her  whom  he  took  away,  —  Briseis,  pure  — 

He  swears  it  with  a  mighty  oath  —  as  pure  w> 

As  when  she  left  thy  tent.     All  these  he  gives 

At  once  ;  and  if,  by  favor  of  the  gods, 

We  lay  the  mighty  city  of  Priam  waste, 

Thou  shalt  load  down  thy  galley  with  large  store 

Of  gold  and  silver,  entering  first  when  we,  w 

The  Greeks,  divide  the  spoil.     Then  mayst  thou 

choose 

Twice  ten  young  Trojan  women,  beautiful 
Beyond  their  sex  save  Helen.     If  we  come 
Safe  to  Achaian  Argos,  richly  stocked 
With  milky  kine,  thou  mayst  become  to  him          «• 
A.  son-in-law,  and  cherished  equally 

• 


Book  IX.  2.33 

With  his  sole  son  Orestes,  who  is  reared 
Right  royally.     Three  daughters  there,  within 
The  monarch's  stately  halls,  —  Chrysothemis, 
Laodice,  and  Iphianassa,  —  dwell,  355 

And  thou  mayst  choose  among  them,   and  mayst 

lead 

Home  to  the  house  of  Peleus  her  who  best 
Deserves  thy  love.     Nor  needest  thou  endow 
The  bride,  for  he  will  give  an  ampler  dower 
Than  ever  father  to  his  daughter  gave,  —  .y*> 

Seven  cities  with  thronged  streets,  — -  Cardamyle, 
Enope,  grassy  Hira,  Pherae  famed 
Afar,  Antheia  with  rich  pasture-grounds, 
/Epeia  beautiful,  and  Pedasus 

With  all  its  vineyards  ;  all  are  near  the  sea,  365 

And  stand  the  last  before  you  reach  the  coast 
Of  sandy  Pylos.     Rich  in  flocks  and  herds 
Their  dwellers  are,  and  they  will  honor  thee 
As  if  thou  wert  a  god,  and,  ruled  by  thee, 
Will  pay  large  tribute.     These  will  he  bestow,      17° 
Let  but  thine  anger  cease.     But  if  the  son 
Of  Atreus  and  his  gifts  still  move  thy  hate, 
At  least  have  pity  on  the  afflicted  Greeks, 
Pent  in  their  camp,  who  now  would  honor  thee 
As  if  thou  wert  a  god  ;  and  thou  shall  gain  375 

Great  glory  as  their  champion,  and  shalt  slay 
This  Hector,  who  even  now  is  close  at  hand, 
And  in  a  murderous  frenzy  makes  his  boast 
L"hat  none  of  all  the  chieftains  whom  the  fleet 


234  The  Iliad. 

Of  Greece  brought  hither  equals  him  in  might."    • 

The  swift  Achilles  answered  him  and  said  :  — 
"  Son  of  Laertes,  nobly  born,  and  versed 
In  wise  devices,  let  me  frankly  speak 
Just  as  I  think,  and  just  as  I  shall  act, 
And  then  ye  will  not  importune  me  more.  ? 

Hateful  to  me,  as  are  the  gates  of  hell, 
Is  he  who,  hiding  one  thing  in  his  heart, 
Utters  another.     I  shall  speak  as  seems 
To  me  the  best ;  nor  deem  I  that  the  son 
Of  Atreus  or  the  other  Greeks  can  move  3 

My  settled  purpose,  since  no  thanks  are  paid 
To  him  who  with  the  enemy  maintains 
A  constant  battle  :  equal  is  the  meed 
Of  him  who  stands  aloof  and  him  who  fights 
Manfully  ;  both  the  coward  and  the  brave  3 

Are  held  in  equal  honor,  and  they  die 
An  equal  death,  —  the  idler  and  the  man 
Of  mighty  deeds.     For  me  there  is  no  store 
Of  wealth  laid  up  from  all  that  I  have  borne, 
Exposing  life  in  battle.     As  a  bird  4 

Brings  to  her  unfledged  young  the  food  she  finds, 
Though  she  herself  be  fasting,  so  have  I 
Had  many  a  night  unvisited  by  sleep, 
And  passed  in  combat  many  a  bloody  day, 
Fighting  beside  these  warriors  for  their  wives.       4 
Twelve  cities  have  I  with  my  fleet  laid  waste, 
And  with  my  Myrmidons  have  I  o'erthrown 
Eleven  upon  this  fertile  Trojan  coast. 


Book  IX.  235 

Full  many  a  precious  spoil  from  these  I  bore, 

And  to  Atrides  Agamemnon  gave.  410 

He,  loitering  in  his  fleet,  received  them  all ; 

Few  he  distributed,  and  many  kept. 

To  chiefs  and  princes  he  indeed  assigned 

Prizes,  which  now  they  hold.     From  me  alone 

Of  all  the  Greeks  he  takes  my  prize  ;  he  takes      415 

My  bride,  whom  well  I  loved  ;  —  and  let  him  keep 

The  damsel.    But  what  need  is  there  that  Greeks 

Wage  war  against  the  Trojans  ?     For  what  cause 

Did  Agamemnon,  gathering  from  our  realms 

An  army,  lead  it  hither  ?     Was  it  not  4--o 

Because  of  fair-haired  Helen  ?     Are  the  sons 

Of  Atreus,  then,  the  only  men  on  earth 

Who  love  their  wives?    Nay,  every  good  man  loves 

And  cherishes  his  spouse  ;  and  mine  I  loved 

Tenderly,  though  the  captive  of  my  spear  :  4=5 

And  now,  since  he  hath  taken  my  reward 

Away  and  treacherously  dealt  with  me, 

Let  him  not  try  again,  for  I  am  warned, 

And  he  will  not  persuade  me.     Let  him  take 

Counsel  with  thee,  Ulysses,  and  the  rest,  430 

How  to  drive  back  the  enemy  and  save 

The  fleet  from  flames.     Already  has  he  done 

Much  without  me  ;  a  rampart  he  has  raised, 

And  round  it  dug  a  deep,  broad  trench,  and  filled 

The  trench  with  palisades.     Yet  can  he  not          435 

Resist  the  man-destroyer  Hector  thus. 

This  Hector,  when  I  fought  among  the  Greeks, 


236  The  Iliad. 

Never  would  fight  at  distance  from  the  walls, 

And  ventured  not  beyond  the  Scaean  gates 

And  beechen  tree.     There  waited  he  for  me          4* 

Upon  a  time,  and  scarce  escaped  with  life 

From  my  assault.     Now,  since  I  do  not  choose 

To  fight  with  noble  Hector,  I  shall  pay, 

To-morrow,  sacrifice  to  Jupiter 

And  all  the  gods,  and  load  my  galleys  well,  445 

And  draw  them  to  the  water.     Then  shalt  thou 

See  —  if  thou  care  for  such  a  sight  —  my  ships 

Sailing  upon  the  fishy  Hellespont 

At  early  morning,  with  their  crews  on  board 

Eager  to  pull  the  oar  ;  and  if  the  god  450 

Of  ocean  grant  a  prosperous  voyage,  then 

On  the  third  day  we  reach  the  fertile  coast 

Of  Phthia.     Large  possessions  left  I  there 

When  I  came  hither  in  an  evil  hour  ; 

And  thither  I  shall  carry  with  me  gold  455 

And  ruddy  brass,  and  women  of  fair  forms, 

And  burnished  steel,  —  the  spoils  I  won  in  war. 

The  prize  he  gave  me,  Agamemnon,  son 

Of  Atreus,  takes,  with  many  insults,  back. 

Bear  him  this  message,  —  give  it  openly,  & 

That  others  of  the  Greeks  may  be  like  me 

Indignant  should  he  impudently  dare 

To  wrong  them  also  :  —  Let  him  ne'er  again, 

Though  shameless,  dare  to  look  me  in  the  face. 

I  will  not  join  in  council  or  in  act  & 

With  him  :   he  has  deceived  and  wronged  me  once, 


Book  IX.  237 

And  now  he  cannot  wheedle  me  with  words. 

Let  once  suffice.     I  leave  him  to  himself, 

To  perish.     All-providing  Jupiter 

Hath  made  him  mad.     I  hate  his  gifts  ;  I  hold    w 

In  utter  scorn  the  giver.     Were  his  gifts 

Tenfold  —  nay,  twenty-fold  —  the  worth  of  all 

That  he  possesses,  and  with  added  wealth 

From  others,  —  all  the  riches  that  flow  in 

Upon  Orchomenus,  or  Thebes,  the  pride  475 

Of  Egypt,  where  large  treasures  are  laid  up, 

And  through  whose  hundred  gates  rush  men  and 

steeds, 
Two  hundred  through  each  gate  ;  —  nay,  should  he 

give 

As  many  gifts  as  there  are  sands  and  dust 
Of  earth,  —  not  even  then  shall  Atreus'  son          480 
Persuade  me,  till  I  reap  a  just  revenge 
For  his  foul  contumelies.     I  will  wed 
No  child  of  Agamemnon      Even  though 
She  vied  with  golden  Venus  in  her  charms, 
And  with  the  blue-eyed  Pallas  in  her  skill,  485 

I  would  not  wed  her.     Let  him  choose  among 
The  Greeks  a  fitter  husband,  —  one  whose  rule 
Is  wider  than  my  own.     For  if  the  gods 
Preserve  me,  and  I  reach  my  home  again, 
My  father,  Peleus,  will  bestow  on  me  490 

A  consort.  Many  are  the  Achaian  maids, 
Daughters  of  chiefs  who  hold  our  citadels 
In  Hellas,  and  in  Phthia,  and  of  these, 


238  The  Iliad. 

Her  who  shall  most  delight  me  I  will  make 

My  well-beloved  wife.     My  soul  has  longed  w 

Earnestly,  with  a  fitting  spouse  betrothed 

Duly,  to  make  my  dwelling  there,  and  there 

Enjoy  the  wealth  which  aged  Peleus  won  ; 

For  not  to  be  compared  with  life  is  all 

The  wealth  which,  as  men  say,  was  treasured  up  y» 

In  Ilium's  populous  town  in  time  of  peace, 

Ere  the  Greeks  came,  nor  all  the  stores  contained 

Within  the  stony  threshold  of  the  god 

Who  bears  the  bow,  Apollo,  on  the  coast 

Of  rocky  Pytho.     We  may  gather  spoil  503 

Of  oxen  and  of  failing  sheep,  and  bring 

Tripods  from  war,  and  yellow-maned  steeds  : 

The  breath  of  man  no  force  can  seize  or  hold, 

And  when  it  leaves  the  enclosure  of  the  teeth 

It  comes  not  back.     My  mother  said  to  me  —      s«° 

The  goddess,  silver-footed  Thetis,  said  — 

A  twofold  fate  conducts  me  to  my  death ;  — 

If  I  remain  to  fight  beneath  the  walls 

Of  Ilium,  my  return  will  be  cut  off, 

But  deathless  my  renown  ;  if  I  return  515 

To  the  dear  land  in  which  my  fathers  dwell, 

My  giory  will  be  nought,  but  long  my  life, 

And  late  will  come  to  me  the  stroke  of  death. 

And  now  I  counsel  all  to  sail  for  home, 

For  never  will  ye  see  the  overthrow  s«« 

Of  lofty  Ilium.     Jove  the  Thunderer 

Stretches  his  great  hand  o'er  her,  and  her  sons 


Book  IX.  ,  239 

Take  courage.     Go  ye  now,  and  take  with  you 

This  message  to  the  princes  of  the  Greeks,  — 

As  is  the  office  of  an  embassy,  —  s*s 

And  bid  them  meditate  some  wiser  plan 

To  save  their  galleys  and  the  host  of  Greeks 

Within  the  hollow  barks.     The  plan  which  brought 

You  hither  cannot  serve  you  while  I  keep 

My  anger  unappeased.     Let  Phoenix  stay  s*> 

To  pass  the  night  with  us,  that  he  may  sail 

To-morrow,  if  it  please  him,  to  the  land 

We  love  ;  I  take  him  not  against  his  will." 

He  ceased  ;  and  silent  were  the  ambassadors, 
Astonished  at  his  passionate  words.     At  last         535 
Phoenix,  the  aged  knight,  with  many  tears 
And  sighs,  took  up  the  word,  in  grief  and  fear 
Lest  Hector  should  destroy  the  Grecian  fleet  :  — 

"  Illustrious  son  of  Peleus,  if  indeed 
Thou  wilt  return,  nor  carest  to  repel  MO 

From  our  swift  galleys  the  consuming  fire, 
Because  thou  art  offended,  how  shall  I, 
Dear  child,  remain  without  thee  ?     When  at  first 
Peleus,  the  aged  knight,  from  Phthia  sent 
Thee,  yet  a  boy,  to  Agamemnon's  aid,  545 

Unskilled  as  then  thou  wert  in  cruel  war 
And  martial  councils,  —  where  men  also  gain 
A  great  renown,  —  he  sent  me  with  thee,  charged 
To  teach  thee  both,  that  so  thou  mightst  become 
In  words  an  orator,  in  warlike  deeds  $50 

An  actor.     Therefore,  my  beloved  child, 


240  t  The  Iliad. 

Not  willingly  shall  I  remain  behind  ; 

Not  even  though  a  god  should  promise  me 

That,  overcoming  the  decays  of  age, 

I  might  become  a  beardless  youth  again,  sss 

As  when  from  Hellas  and  its  companies 

Of  lovely  maids  I  came  a  fugitive, 

And  left  Amyntor,  son  of  Ormenus,  — 

My  father,  —  angry  with  me  for  the  sake 

Of  a  fair-tressed  wanton,  whom  he  loved,  5^ 

Treating  my  mother  basely.     To  my  knees 

My  mother  came  and  prayed  me  ceaselessly, 

First,  to  possess  the  woman,  that  she  then 

Might  loathe  the  elder  one  ;  and  I  obeyed. 

My  father  knew  it,  and  with  many  a  curse  565 

Invoked  the  hateful  furies  to  forbid 

That  any  child  who  owed  his  birth  to  me 

Should  ever  sit  upon  his  knees.     The  gods  — 

The  Jove  of  Hades  and  dread  Proserpine  — 

Confirmed  his  curse.     To  slay  him  with  the  sword  57° 

Was  my  first  thought.     Some  god  subdued  my  wrath, 

Reminding  me  of  what  the  public  voice 

Would  say,  and  infamy  that  would  ensue,  — 

Lest  I  among  the  Achaians  should  be  called 

A  parricide.     I  could  not  brook  to  dwell  57. 

Within  my  father's  palace  while  he  thus 

Was  wroth  with  me.     My  kindred  and  my  friends 

Came  round  me,  and  besought  me  to  remain, 

And  stayed  beside  me.     Many  a  falling  ewe 

And  many  a  slow-paced  ox  with  curving  horns 


Book  IX.  241 

They  slew,  and  many  a  fattened  swine  they  stretched 

Over  the  flame  of  Vulcan.     From  the  casks 

Of  the  old  chief  his  wine  was  freely  drawn. 

Nine  nights  they  slept  surrounding  me,  while  each 

Kept  watch  in  turn  :  nor  ever  were  the  fires          585 

Put  out ;  one  blazed  beneath  the  portico 

Of  the  fair  hall,  and  near  the  chamber-door 

Another  glimmered  in  the  vestibule. 

But  when  upon  me  rose  the  tenth  dark  night, 

I  broke  my  aptly-jointed  chamber-doors,  »• 

And  issued  forth,  and  easily  o'erleaped 

The  wall  around  the  palace,  quite  unseen 

Of  watching  men  and  of  the  serving  maids. 

I  fled  through  spacious  Hellas  to  the  fields 

Of  Phthia,  nurse  of  flocks,  and  to  her  king,  s»s 

Peleus,  who  kindly  welcomed  me,  and  loved 

Me  as  a  father  loves  his  only  son, 

Born  to  large  wealth  in  his  declining  years. 

He  made  me  rich,  and  gave  me  sovereign  rule 

Over  much  people.     My  abode  was  fixed  (*» 

In  farthest  Phthia,  where  I  was  the  prince 

Of  the  Dolopians.     As  for  thee,  my  care, 

Godlike  Achilles,  made  thee  what  thou  art. 

I  loved  thee  from  my  soul :  thou  wouldst  not  go 

With  any  other  to  the  feast,  nor  take  605 

Thy  food  at  home  until  upon  my  knees 

I  placed  thee,  carved  thy  meats,  and  gave  them  thee, 

And  pouted  thy  wine.     The  tunic  on  my  breast 

Was  often  wetted  by  thee  when  the  wine 


242  The  Iliad, 

Gushed  in  thy  petulant  childhood  from  thy  lips.    6IO 

Thus  many  things  did  I  endure  for  thee, 

And  many  toils  perform  ;  and  since  the  gods 

Vouchsafed  no  son  to  me,  it  was  my  thought 

To  train  thee  as  a  son,  that  thou  mightst  be, 

O  godlike  man  !  the  bulwark  of  my  age.  6iS 

And  now  subdue  that  mighty  spirit  of  thine  : 

111  it  becomes  thee  to  be  merciless  : 

The  gods  themselves  are  placable,  though  far 

Above  us  all  in  honor  and  in  power 

And  virtue.     We  propitiate  them  with  vows,         630 

Incense,  libations,  and  burnt-offerings, 

And  prayers  for  those  who  have  offended.    Prayers 

Are  daughters  of  almighty  Jupiter,  — 

Lame,  wrinkled,  and  squint-eyed,  —  that  painfully 

Follow  Misfortune's  steps  ;  but  strong  of  limb      62S 

And  swift  of  foot  Misfortune  is,  and,  far 

Outstripping  all,  comes  first  to  every  land, 

And  there  wreaks  evil  on  mankind,  which  prayers 

Do  afterwards  redress.     Whoe'er  receives 

Jove's  daughters  reverently  when  they  approach,  630 

Him  willingly  they  aid,  and  to  his  suit 

They  listen.     Whosoever  puts  them  by 

With  obstinate  denial,  they  appeal 

To  Jove,  the  son  of  Saturn,  and  entreat 

That  he  will  cause  Misfortune  to  attend  635 

The  offender's  way  in  life,  that  he  in  turn 

May  suffer  evil  and  be  punished  thus. 

Wherefore,  Achilles  !  do  thou  also  yield 


Book  IX.  243 

The  honor  due  Jove's  daughters,  freely  given 

By  other  valiant  men.     If  Atreus'  son  64o 

Brought  thee  no  gifts,  nor  promised  others  still, 

But  kept  his  anger,  I  would  never  ask 

That  thou  shouldst  lay  aside  thy  wrath  and  come 

To  help  the  Argives  in  their  bitter  need. 

But  he  bestows  large  gifts,  and  adds  a  pledge        645 

Of  others  yet  in  store,  and  he  hath  sent 

The  best  men  of  the  army,  who  to  thee 

Are  dearest,  to  entreat  thee.     Spurn  thou  not 

These,  nor  their  embassy,  although  at  first 

Thine  anger  was  not  causeless.     We  have  heard  650 

The  praise  of  heroes  of  the  elder  time, 

Inflamed  to  vehement  anger,  yet  appeased 

By  gifts,  and  yielding  to  persuasive  words. 

One  instance  I  remember  :  long  ago 

It  happened,  and  I  will  relate  it  here  *55 

Among  my  friends.      Around  the  city-walls 

Of  Calydon  did  the  Curetes  strive 

In  battle  with  the  .'Etolians  ;  they  destroyed 

Each  other  fearfully.     The  yEtolians  fought 

To  save  the  pleasant  town  of  Calydon,  <*» 

And  the  Curetes  warred  to  lay  it  waste. 

Diana  of  the  golden  throne  had  caused 

The  war,  displeased  with  CEneus,  who  withheld 

From  her  the  first-fruits  of  his  fertile  field  : 

While  hecatombs  were  burnt  in  sacrifice  «* 

To  feast  the  other  gods,  to  her  alone  — 

Daughter  of  Jove  —  no  offering  was  brought  ; 


244  The  Iliad. 

For  either  he  forgot,  or  thought  the  rite 

Of  little  moment  ;  but  he  greatly  erred. 

And  now  the  child  of  Jove,  the  archer-queen,        ^ 

Incensed,  sent  forth  against  him  from  the  wood 

A  white-tusked  wild  boar,  which  upon  his  lands 

Entered,  and  ravaged  them,  and  brought  to  earth 

Many  tall  trees  :  tree  after  tree  they  fell, 

With  roots  uptorn,  and  all  the  blossoms  on,  75 

That  promised  fruit.     Him  Meleager,  son 

Of  CEneus,  slew,  with  many  hunters  called 

From  neighboring  cities,  bringing  many  hounds. 

A  few  could  not  subdue  him  :  he  had  made 

Many  already  mount  the  funeral  pile.  (>»> 

Diana  kindled  round  the  boar  a  strife 

For  the  beast's  head  and  bristly  hide,  —  a  war 

'Twixt  the  Curetes  and  the  yEtolian  band 

Of  braves.     The  war,  while  Meleager  fought, 

Went  not  with  the  Curetes,  nor  could  they,  (&i 

Though  many,  keep  the  field.     But  wrath  at  last 

Seized  Meleager,  —  wrath,  which  rages  oft 

Even  in  prudent  minds.     Incensed  against 

Althaea,  his  own  mother,  he  remained 

At  home  with  Cleopatra,  his  young  wife,  690 

The  beauteous,  whom  a  delicate-footed  dame, 

Marpessa,  daughter  of  Evenus,  bore 

To  Idas,  bravest  in  his  time  among 

The  sons  of  men, —  so  brave  that  once  he  drew 

A  bow  against  Apollo  for  the  sake  695 

Of  his  neat-footed  bride.     The  honored  pair 


Book  IX.  245 

Within  the  palace  used  to  call  their  child 

Alcyone  ;  for  when  the  archer-god, 

Apollo,  from  her  husband  bore  away 

The  mother,  Cleopatra  sadly  wailed,  v» 

As  wails  the  halcyon.     So  beside  his  spouse 

Dwelt  Meleager,  brooding  ever  o'er 

The  violent  anger  which  his  mother's  curse 

Had  kindled.     Grieving  for  a  brother's  death, 

She  supplicated  heaven,  and  often  struck  705 

Her  hands  against  the  teeming  earth,  and  called  — 

Kneeling,  her  bosom  all  bedewed  with  tears  — 

On  Pluto  and  the  cruel  Proserpine, 

To  put  her  son  to  death.     From  Erebus 

The  pitiless  Erinnys,  wandering  ?«> 

In  darkness,  heard  the  prayer.     Then  straightway 

rose 

A  sound  of  fearful  tumult  at  the  gates  : 
The  towers  were  battered,  and  the  elder  chiefs 
Of  the  ^Etolians  hastened  to  entreat 
The  aid  of  Meleager,  and  they  sent  7-5 

Priests  of  the  gods,  a  chosen  band,  to  pray 
That  he  would  come  to  their  defence.     Large  gifts 
They  promised.     Where  the  soil  of  Calyclon 
Was  best,  they  bade  him  choose  a  fruitful  field 
Of  fifty  acres,  half  for  vines,  and  half,  7*° 

Cleared  of  the  trees,  for  tillage.     Earnestly 
Did  aged  CEneus,  famed  for  horsemanship, 
Beseech  him  ;  to  the  chamber  of  his  son, 
High-roofed,  he  climbed,  and  at  the  threshold  shook 


246  The  Iliad. 

The  massive  doors  with  knocking  as  he  sued.        725 

His  sisters  and  his  reverend  mother  joined 

Their  supplications  :  he  resisted  still. 

And  much  his  friends,  the  dearest  and  most  prized, 

Besought  him,  but  they  vainly  strove  to  swerve 

His  steadfast  mind,  till  his  own  chamber  felt        730 

The  assault,  and  the  Curetes  climbed  the  walls 

To  fire  the  populous  city.     Then  the  nymph, 

His  graceful  wife,  entreated  him  with  tears, 

And  spake  of  all  the  horrors  which  o'ertake 

A  captured  city,  —  all  the  men  cut  off  735 

By  massacre,  the  houses  given  to  flames, 

The  children  and  deep-bosomed  women  dragged 

Into  captivity.     Her  sorrowful  words 

He  heard  ;  his  spirit  was  disturbed  ;  he  went 

To  gird  his  glittering  armor  on,  and  thus 

He  saved  the  ^Etolians  from  a  fearful  doom, 

Obeying  his  own  impulse.     The  reward 

Of  rare  and  costly  gifts  they  gave  him  not, 

Though  thus  he  rescued  them.     Be  not  thy  thought 

Like  his,  my  friend  ;  let  no  invisible  power  -45 

Persuade  thee  thus  to  act.     Far  worse  it  were 

To  wait,  and  when  our  fleet  is  all  on  fire 

Offer  thy  aid.     Accept  the  gifts  at  once  : 

Then  will  the  Greeks,  as  if  thou  wert  a  god, 

Hold  thee  in  honor.     If  without  the  gifts  -=« 

Thou  enter  later  on  the  field  of  fight, 

Thou  wilt  not  have  like  honor  with  the  host, 

Although  thou  turn  the  assault  of  battle  back." 


Book  IX.  247 

Then  did  Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  reply  :  — 
*  O  ancient  Phoenix,  father,  loved  of  Jove, 
Such  honor  need  I  not ;  for  the  decree 
Of  Jove,  I  deem,  already  honors  me, 
And  will  detain  me  by  my  beaked  ships 
While  breath  is  in  my  lungs,  and  I  have  power 
To  move  these  knees.    Yet  one  thing  I  would  say,  — 
And  bear  it  thou  in  mind,  —  vex  not  my  soul        -61 
With  weeping  and  lamenting  for  the  sake 
Of  Agamemnon  ;  it  becomes  thee  not  — 
Thou  who  art  loved  by  me  —  to  yield  thy  love 
To  him,  unless  thou  wouldst  incur  my  hate.  7^5 

And  thou  shouldst  be  the  enemy  of  him 
Who  wrongs  me.      Reign  thou  equally  with  me, 
And  share  my  honors.     These  will  carry  back 
My  answer.     Thou  remain,  and,  softly  couched, 
Sleep  here  :  with  early  morn  will  we  consult          ?;<> 
Whether  to  leave  this  region  or  remain." 

He  spake,  and,  nodding  to  Patroclus,  gave 
A  signal  to  prepare  an  ample  couch 
For  Phoenix,  while  the  other  chiefs  prepared 
To  leave  the  tent.     Then  Ajax  Telamon,  775 

The  godlike  chief,  addressed  his  comrades  thus  :  — 

"  Son  of  Laertes,  nobly  born,  and  skilled 
In  sage  devices,  let  us  now  depart, 
Since,  as  it  seems,  the  end  for  which  we  came 
Cannot  be  compassed  thus,  and  we  must  bear      ?&> 
With  speed  the  unwelcome  answer  to  the  Greeks, 
Who  sit  expecting  us  ;  while  in  his  breast 


248  The  Iliad. 

The  implacable  Achilles  bears  a  fierce 
And  haughty  heart,  nor  doth  he  heed  the  claim 
Of  that  close  friendship  of  his  fellow-chiefs, 
Which  at  the  Grecian  fleet  exalted  him 
Above  all  others.      Unrelenting  one  ! 
Even  for  a  brother's  death  a  price  is  paid, 
Or  when  a  son  is  slain  :  the  slayer  dwells 
At  home  among  his  people,  having  made 
The  appointed  expiation.     He  to  whom 
The  fine  is  offered  takes  it,  and  his  thirst 
Of  vengeance  is  appeased.     But  in  thy  heart 
The  gods  have  kindled  an  unquenchable  rage, 
All  for  a  single  damsel,  —  and  behold, 
Seven  more  we  offer,  passing  beautiful, 
With  many  gifts  beside.     Let,  then,  thy  mood 
Be  softened  :  have  respect  to  thine  own  roof; 
For  we  are  guests  beneath  it,  sent  from  all 
The  assembled  host,  and  strong  is  our  desire 
To  be  thy  dearest  and  most  cherished  friends 
Of  all  the  Achaians,  many  as  they  are." 

Achilles  the  swift-footed  answered  thus  :  — 
"  Illustrious  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon, 
Prince  of  the  people  !  all  that  thou  hast  said, 
I  well  perceive,  is  prompted  by  thy  heart. 
Mine  swells  with  indignation  when  I  think 
How  King  Atrides  mid  the  assembled  Greeks 
Heaped  insults  on  me,  as  if  I  had  been 
A  wretched  vagabond.     But  go  ye  now 
And  bear  my  message.      I  shall  never  think 


Book  IX.  249 

Of  bloody  war  till  noble  Hector,  son 

Of  Priam,  slaughtering  in  his  way  the  Greeks, 

Shall  reach  the  galleys  of  the  Myrmidons, 

To  lay  the  fleet  in  flames.     But  when  he  comes    a* 

To  my  own  tent  and  galley,  he,  I  think, 

Though  eager  for  the  combat,  will  desist." 

He  spake.     Each  raised  a  double  cup  and  poured 
Libations  to  the  gods  ;  they  then  returned 
Beside  the  fleet.     Ulysses  led  the  way.  a«> 

Patroclus  bade  the  attendant  men  and  maids 
Strew  with  all  speed  a  soft  and  ample  bed 
For  Phoenix.     They  obeyed,  and  spread  the  couch 
With  skins  of  sheep,  dyed  coverlets,  and  sheets 
Of  lawn  ;  and  there  the  old  man  lay  to  wait  s25 

The  glorious  morn.     Meantime  Achilles  slept 
Within  the  tent's  recess,  and  by  him  lay 
Phorbas's  daughter,  whom  he  carried  off 
From  Lesbos,  —  Diomede,  rosy-cheeked. 
Upon  the  other  side  Patroclus  lay,  830 

With  slender-waisted  Iphis  by  his  side, 
Given  by  the  great  Achilles  when  he  took 
Scyros  the  tall,  where  Enyeus  ruled. 

Now  when  the  ambassadors  were  come  within 
The  tent  of  Agamemnon,  all  the  chiefs  «3s 

Rose,  one  by  one,  and,  lifting  up  to  them 
Their  golden  goblets,  asked  the  news  they  brought 
And  first  Atrides,  king  of  men,  inquired  :  — 

"  Renowned  Ulysses,  glory  of  the  Greeks  ! 
Tell  me,  will  he  protect  our  fleet  from  flames,        840 
11* 


250  The  Iliad. 

Or  does  he,  in  his  wrath  and  pride,  refuse  ? " 

Then  spake  the  hardy  chief  Ulysses  thus  :  — 
"  Atrides  Agamemnon,  glorious  king 
Of  men  !  he  will  not  let  his  wrath  abate, 
But  rages  yet  more  fiercely,  and  contemns  845 

Thee  and  thy  gifts.     He  leaves  thee  to  consult 
With  thine  Achaians  by  what  means  to  save 
The  fleet  and  army  ;  for  himself  he  means 
To-morrow,  with  the  early  dawn,  to  launch 
His  well-appointed  galleys  on  the  sea,  35° 

And  will  advise  the  other  Greeks  to  spread 
The  sails  for  home,  since  they  will  never  see 
The  overthrow  of  lofty  Troy,  for  Jove 
The  Thunderer  stretches  his  protecting  hand 
Above  her,  and  her  sons  have  taken  heart.  s^ 

Such  are  his  words  ;  and  those  who  went  with  me 
Are  present,  —  Ajax  and  the  heralds  both, 
Sage  men,  —  the  witnesses  to  what  I  say. 
The  aged  Phcenix  stays  behind  to  sleep, 
And  on  the  morrow  to  attend  his  chief  sao 

To  their  beloved  country,  —  if  he  will, 
For  else  by  no  means  will  he  take  him  hence." 

He  spake  ;  and  all  were  silent,  all  amazed 
At  what  they  heard,  for  these  were  bitter  words. 
Long  sat  the  sons  of  Greece  in  silent  thought,       ^ 
Till  Diomed,  the  great  in  battle,  spake  :  — 

"  Atrides  Agamemnon,  glorious  king 
Of  men  !  I  would  thou  hadst  not  deigned  to  ask 
The  illustrious  son  of  Peleus  for  his  aid, 


Book  X.  25  i 

With  offer  of  large  gifts  ;  for  arrogant  870 

He  is  at  all  times  :  thou  hast  made  him  now 
More  insolent.     Now  leave  him  to  himself, 
To  go  or  to  remain  :  he  yet  will  fight 
When  his  mood  changes,  or  some  god  within 
Shall  move  him.     Let  us  do  what  I  advise  : —      87S 
Betake  we  all  ourselves  to  rest,  but  first 
Refresh  ourselves  with  food  and  wine  ;  in  them 
Is  strength  and  spirit.     When  the  rosy  morn 
Shall  shine,  command  thou  that  the  foot  and  horse 
Be  speedily  drawn  up  before  the  fleet,  880 

And  thou  encourage  them  with  cheerful  words, 
And  fight  among  them  in  the  foremost  rank." 

He  spake.     The  kings  assented,  and  admired 
The  words  of  the  horse-tamer  Diomed  ; 
And,  pouring  out  libations,  to  their  tents  883 

They  all  departed,  and  lay  down  to  rest, 
And  took  into  their  souls  the  balm  of  sleep. 


BOOK    X. 

ALL  the  night  long  the  captains  of  the  Greeks 
Slept  at  the  ships,  and   pleasant  was  their 

sleep,  — 

Save  only  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son, 
The  shepherd  of  the  people.     Not  to  him  — 
Vexed  with  a  thousand  cares  —  came  gentle  sleep. 


252  The  Iliad. 

As  when  the  husband  of  the  light-haired  queen       « 

Of  heaven  sends  forth  his  thunders,  ushering  in 

Some  wide-involving  shower,  —  rain,  hail,  or  snow 

Whitening  the  fields,  —  or  opening  o'er  some  land 

The  ravenous  jaws  of  unrelenting  war,  —  i* 

So  frequent  were  the  groans  which  from  his  heart 

Atrides  uttered  ;  for  within  his  breast 

His  heart  was  troubled.    Looking  toward  the  plain 

Of  Troy,  he  wondered  at  the  many  fires 

Blazing  before  the  city,  and  the  sound  15 

Of  flutes  and  fifes,  and  tumult  of  the  crowd. 

But  when  he  turned  him  toward  the  fleet  and  host 

Of  Greece,  he  tore  his  hair,  and  flung  it  up 

To  Jove,  and  vented  his  great  heart  in  groans. 

And  now  at  length  it  seemed  to  him  most  wise      * 

To  seek  Neleian  Nestor,  and  with  him 

Devise  some 'plan  by  which  to  turn  aside 

The  threatened  evil  from  the  Greeks.     He  rose, 

And  drew  his  tunic  o'er  his  breast,  and  laced 

The  graceful  sandals  to  his  well-shaped  feet  ; 

And  o'er  his  shoulders  threw  the  blood-stained  hide 

Of  a  huge  tawny  lion,  that  reached  down 

Even  to  the  ground  ;  and  took  in  hand  his  spear. 

Meantime  with  like  uneasy  thoughts  oppressed 

Was  Menelaus,  to  whose  eyes  there  came  y 

No  slumber,  —  dreading  lest  calamity 

Should  light  upon  the  Greeks,  who  for  his  sake 

Had  crossed  the  sea  to  carry  war  to  Troy. 

And  first  he  threw  a  leopard's  spotted  hide 


Book  X. 


253 


O'er  his  broad  back,  and  placed  the  brazen  helm  B 

Upon  his  head,  and  took  in  his  strong  grasp 

A  spear,  and  went  to  bid  his  brother  wake,  — 

His  brother,  the  chief  ruler  over  all 

The  men  of  Greece,  and  honored  like  a  god. 

He  found  him  at  his  galley's  prow  in  act  40 

To  sheath  his  shoulders  in  the  shining  mail, 

And  pleased  to  greet  his  coming.     To  the  king 

Thus  Menelaus,  great  in  battle,  spake  :  — 

"  Why  arm  thyself,  my  brother  ?     Wouldst  thou 

send 

A  warrior  to  explore  the  Trojan  camp?  4s 

None  will  accept  the  task,  I  fear,  to  creep 
Alone  at  dead  of  night,  a  spy,  within 
The  hostile  lines  ;  —  a  bold  man  must  he  be." 

Then  answered  Agamemnon,  king  of  men  :  — 
11  Most  noble  Menelaus,  much  we  need  5° 

Wise  counsel  —  thou  and  I  —  to  save  our  men 
And  galleys  from  destruction,  since  the  will 
Of  Jove  is  changed.     Now  hath  the  God  respect 
To  Hector's  sacrifices  ;  for  in  truth 
I  never  saw  —  I  never  heard  of  one  55 

Who  in  one  day  performed  such  mighty  deeds 
As  Hector,  dear  to  Jove,  just  now  hath  wrought, 
Though  not  the  son  of  goddess  or  of  god. 
Those  deeds  will  be,  I  deem,  for  many  a  day 
A  cause  of  bitter  sorrow  to  the  Greeks,  —  <» 

Such  evil  hath  he  wrought     Now  go  at  once, 
And  from  their  galleys  call  laomeneus 


254 

And  Ajax  ;  while  to  noble  Nestor's  tent 

I  go,  and  pray  that  he  will  rise  and  give 

Their  orders  to  the  sacred  band  of  guards  ;  —       65 

For  they  will  hearken  to  him,  since  his  son 

Commands  them  jointly  with  Meriones, 

The  armor-bearer  of  Idomeneus,  — 

Both  named  by  us  to  that  important  trust." 

Then  Menelaus,  great  in  battle,  said  :  — 
"  What  wilt  thou,  then,  and  what  dost  thou  com 
mand,  — 

That  I  remain  with  them  until  thou  come, 
Or,  having  given  the  message,  seek  thee  here  ?  " 

Again  the  monarch  Agamemnon  spake  :  — 
"  Wait  there,  lest  as  we  go  I  meet  thee  not,  -s 

For  many  ways  are  through  the  camp.     But  thou, 
In  going,  shout  aloud  and  bid  them  all 
Be  vigilant,  accosting  every  one 
By  his  paternal  name,  and  giving  each 
Due  honor  :  bear  thyself  not  haughtily  :  «• 

We  too  must  labor  •  for  when  we  were  born 
Jove  laid  this  hard  condition  on  us  all." 

So  spake  he,  and,  dismissing  with  that  charge 
His  brother,  hastened  to  where  Nestor  lay, 
The  shepherd  of  his  people.     Him  he  found          s5 
On  his  soft  couch  within  his  tent  beside 
His  dark-brown  ship.     Around  him  scattered  shone 
His  arms,  —  a  shield,  two  spears,  a  gleaming  helm, 
And  pliant  belt,  with  which  the  ancient  man 
Girded  himself  when  arming  to  lead  on 


Book  X.  255 

His  men  to  murderous  fight ;  —  for  not  to  age 
The  warrior  yielded  yet.     He  raised  his  head, 
And,  leaning  on  his  elbow,  questioned  thus 
Atrides  :  "  Who  art  thou  that  traverses! 
The  camp  beside  the  fleet  at  dead  of  night,  95 

Alone,  while  others  sleep  ?  Com'st  thou  to  find 
One  of  the  guardsmen,  or  a  comrade  ?  Speak  ; 
Come  not  in  silence  thus :  what  vvouldst  thou  have  ? " 

Then  answered  Agamemnon,  king  of  men  :  — 
"  O  Nestor,  son  of  Neleus,  whom  the  Greeks         »«> 
All  glory  in  !  thou  certainly  wilt  know 
Atrides  Agamemnon,  whom  the  will 
Of  Jove  hath  visited  with  hardships  great 
Beyond  what  others  bear,  to  last  while  breath 
Is  in  my  lungs,  and  while  my  knees  can  move.      105 
I  wander  thus  abroad  because  sweet  sleep 
Comes  not  to  close  my  eyelids,  and  the  war 
And  slaughter  of  the  Greeks  distress  me  sore. 
For  them  I  greatly  fear,  my  heart  is  faint, 
My  mind  confounded.     In  my  breast  the  heart     »o 
Pants,  and  my  limbs  all  tremble.      If  thou  wilt,  — 
For,  as  I  see,  thou  also  dost  not  sleep,. — 
Come  with  me  to  the  guards,  that  we  may  know 
Whether,  o'ercome  by  toil  and  weariness, 
They  give  themselves  to  slumber  and  forget          »s 
Their  watch.     The  foe  is  near  us  in  his  camp, 
And  how  know  we  that  even  now  by  night 
He  plans  not,  to  attack  us  in  our  tents  ?" 

Then  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight,  replied  :  — 


256  The  Iliad'. 

"  Atrides  Agamemnon,  glorious  king  Jao 

Of  men,  almighty  Jove  will  not  perform 

For  Hector  all  that  Hector  plans  and  hopes  ; 

And  heavier  cares,  I  think,  will  yet  be  his 

When  once  Achilles'  wrath  is  turned  away. 

Yet  willingly  I  join  thee.      Let  us  call  »s 

The  other  chiefs,  —  Ulysses,  Diomed, 

Both  mighty  spearmen  ;  Ajax,  swift  of  foot ; 

And  the  brave  son  of  P-hyleus.     It  were  well 

To  send  and  bid  the  mightier  Ajax  come, 

And  King  Idomeneus,  for  farthest  off  13* 

The  ships  of  both  are  stationed.     I  shall  chide 

Thy  brother  Menelaus  —  though  he  be 

Honored  and  dear,  and  though  it  please  thee  not  — 

For  sleeping,  while  he  leaves  such  toils  as  these 

To  thee  alone.     He  should  be  here  among  us 

The  chiefs,  exhorting  them  to  valiant  deeds  ; 

For  now  the  hour  of  bitter  need  is  come." 

Again  spake  Agamemnon,  king  of  men  :  — 
"  At  other  times,  old  chief,  I  would  have  begged 
That  thou  shouldst  blame  him  :  he  is  oft  remiss,  MO 
And  late  to  act ;  but  not  because  of  sloth, 
Or  want  of  spirit,  —  but  he  looks  to  me 
And  waits  for  my  example.     Yet  to-night 
He  rose  before  me,  sought  me,  and  is  sent 
To  call  the  chiefs  whom  thou  hast  named ;  and  now 
Let  us  go  on,  and  meet  them  where  they  wait,       MO 
Among  the  guards  and  just  before  the  gates,  — 
For  I  appointed  that  the  trysting-place." 


Book  X.  257 

And  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight,  replied  :  — 
"  Then  let  no  Greek  condemn  him,  or  refuse         150 
To  heed  and  to  obey  when  he  shall  speak." 

He  spake,  and  drew  his  tunic  o'er  his  breast, 
Laced  the  fair  sandals  to  his  shapely  feet, 
And  round  him  fastened,  with  a  clasp,  his  cloak,  — 
A  double  web  of  purple,  with  full  folds  155 

And  flowing  pile.     He  grasped  a  massive  spear, 
Its  blade  of  trenchant  brass.      And  first  he  sought 
The  galleys  of  the  Achaians  brazen-mailed. 
There  shouted  Nestor  the  Gerenian  knight, 
To  raise  Ulysses,  best  of  counsellors,  i&> 

Jove-like  in  wisdom  ;  who  perceived  the  voice, 
And  issued  from  his  tent  in  haste,  and  said  :  — 

"  What  brings  you  forth  to  walk  the  camp  at  night, 
Beside  the  ships  alone  ;  what  urgent  cause  ?  " 

Then  answered  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight :  —  165 
"  Son  of  Laertes,  nobly  born,  and  skilled 
In  wise  devices,  be  thou  not  displeased  : 
A  fearful  woe  impends  above  the  Greeks  : 
Come,  then,  and  call  the  other  chiefs,  to  give 
Their  counsel  whether  we  shall  flee  or  fight."        17° 

He  spake  ;  and  wise  Ulysses,  entering 
His  tent  again,  upon  his  shoulders  laid 
His  well-wrought  shield,  and  joined  them  as  they 

went, 

Till,  coming  to  Tydides  Diomed, 
They  found  him  by  his  tent  among  his  arms,          175 
His  comrades  sleeping  round  him  with  their  shields 


258  The  Iliad. 

Beneath  their  heads.     Their  spears  were  set  upright, 
The  nether  points  in  earth.     The  polished  brass 
Gleamed  like  the  lightnings  of  All-Father  Jove. 
In  sleep  the  hero  lay  ;  a  wild  bull's  hide  i*> 

Was  spread  beneath  him,  and  a  carpet  dyed 
With  glowing  colors  propped  his  head.     The  knight, 
Gerenian  Nestor,  touched  him  with  his  foot 
And  roused  him,  and  addressed  him  chidingly  :  — 

"  O  son  of  Tydeus  !  wilt  thou  calmly  sleep        185 
All  the  night  long?     And  hast  thou, then,  not  heard 
That  on  a  height  amidst  the  plain  the  sons 
Of  Troy  are  stationed,  near  the  ships,  and  small 
The  space  that  parts  the  enemy's  camp  from  ours  ?  " 

He  spake.     The  son  of  Tydeus  sprang  from  sleep 
At  once,  and  answered  him  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Thy  labors  are  too  constant,  aged  man  ;          192 
Thou  shrinkest  from  no  hardship.     Are  there  not 
Young  men  among  the  Greeks  to  walk  the  camp 
And  call  the  kings?     Thou  never  takest  rest."      195 

And  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight,  replied  :  — 
"  Well  hast  thou  said,  my  friend,  for  I  have  sons 
Without  reproach,  and  I  have  many  troops  ; 
And  any  one  of  these  might  walk  the  camp 
And  give  the  summons.     But  to-night  there  lies    *<» 
A  hard  necessity  upon  the  Greeks, 
And  their  destruction  and  their  rescue  hang 
Balanced  on  a  knife's  edge.     Come  then,  since  thou 
Art  younger,  call  swift  Ajax  and  the  son 
Of  Phyleus,  if  thou  wouldst  relieve  my  age."         205 


Book  X.  259 

He  spake  ;  and  Diomed  around  him  flung 
A  tawny  lion's  ample  hide,  that  reached 
Down  to  his  feet,  and  took  his  spear  and  went 
And  summoned  the  two  kings,  and  brought  them 
forth. 

Now  when  they  came  among  the  assembled  guard, 
Its  leaders  were  not  slumbering  ;  every  man          =»« 
Sat  watchful  and  in  arms.     As  clogs  that  guard 
Flocks  in  a  sheepfold  hear  some  savage  beast 
That  comes  through  thickets  down  the  mountain 
side  ; 

Loud  is  the  clamor  of  the  dogs  and  men,  215 

And  sleep  is  frightened  thence,  —  so  gentle  sleep 
Fled  from  the  eyes  of  those  who  watched,  that  night, 
Sadly,  with  eyes  turned  ever  toward  the  plain, 
Intently  listening  for  the  foe's  approach. 
The  aged  Nestor  saw  them,  and  rejoiced, 
And  thus  encouraged  them  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Watch  thus,  dear  youths,  let  no  one  yield  to  sleep, 
Lest  we  become  the  mockery  of  the  foe." 

He  spake,  and  crossed  the  trench  ;  and  with  him 

went 

The  Grecian  leaders,  they  who  had  been  called    <*s 
To  council.     With  them  went  Meriones 
And  Nestor's  eminent  son,  for  they  had  both 
Been  summoned.     Crossing  to  the  other  side 
Of  that  deep  trench,  they  found  an  open  space 
Clear  of  the  dead,  in  which  they  sat  them  down,  — 
Just  where  the  fiery  Hector,  having  slain 


260  The  Iliad. 

Many  Achaians,  turned  him  back  when  night 
Came  o'er  him.     There  they  sat  to  hold  debace  , 
And  thus  spake  Nestor  the  Gerenian  knight  :  — 

"  Friends  !  is  there  none  among  you  who  so  far  235 
Trusts  his  own  valor  that  he  will  to-night 
Venture  among  the  Trojans  ?     He  perchance 
Might  capture  on  the  borders  of  the  camp 
Some  foeman  wandering,  or  might  bring  report 
Of  what  they  meditate,  and  whether  still  240 

They  mean  to  keep  their  station  far  from  Troy 
And  near  our  ships,  or,  since  their  late  success, 
Return  to  Ilium.     Could  he  safely  bring 
This  knowledge  back  to  us,  his  meed  were  great,  — 
Glory  among  all  men  beneath  the  sky,  *45 

And  liberal  recompense.     As  many  chiefs 
As  now  command  our  galleys,  each  would  give 
A  black  ewe  with  a  suckling  larnb,  —  such  gifts 
Xo  one  hath  yet  received,  —  and  he  should  sit 
A  guest  at  all  our  banquets  and  our  feasts."          250 

He  spake  ;  and  all  were  silent  for  a  space. 
Then  Diomed,  the  great  in  battle,  said  :  - 

"Nestor,  my  resolute  spirit  urges  me 
To  explore  the  Trojan  camp,  that  lies  so  near  ; 
Yet,  were  another  warrior  by  my  side,  ,55 

I  should  go  forth  with  a  far  surer  hope, 
And  greater  were  my  daring.     For  when  two 
Join  in  the  same  adventure,  one  perceives 
Before  the  other  how  they  ought  to  act ; 
While  one  alone,  however  prompt,  resolves  *» 


Book  X.  261 

More  tardily  and  with  a  weaker  will." 

He  spake  ;  and  many  a  chief  made  suit  to  share 
The  risk  with  Diomed.     The  ministers 
Of  Mars,  the  chieftains  Ajax,  asked  to  go  ; 
Meriones  desired  it ;  Nestor's  son  265 

Greatly  desired  to  join  the  enterprise  ; 
Atrides  Menelaus,  skilled  to  wield 
The  spear,  desired  it ;  and  that  hardy  chief, 
Ulysses,  longed  to  explore  the  Trojan  camp, 
For  full  of  daring  aims  was  the  great  soul  270 

Within  his  bosom.     Agamemnon  then, 
The  king  of  men,  took  up  the  word  and  said  ;  «=- 

"  Tydides  Diomed,  most  dear  of  men, 
Choose  from  the  many  chiefs,  who  ask  to  bear 
A  part  with  thee,  the  bravest.     Be  not  moved       275 
By  deference  to  take  the  worse  and  leave 
The  abler  warrior.     Pay  no  heed  to  rank, 
Or  race,  or  wide  extent  of  kingly  rule." 

Thus  spake  the  king  ;   for  in  his  heart  he  feared 
For  fair-haired  Menelaus.     Diomed,  280 

The  great  in  battle,  then  addressed  them  all  :  — 

"  Ye  bid  me  choose  :  how,  then,  can  I  o'erlook 
Godlike  Ulysses,  prudent  in  resolve, 
And  firm  in  every  danger,  well  beloved 
By  Pallas.     Give  me  him,  and  our  return  28$ 

Ts  sure,  though  from  consuming  flames  ;  for  he 
Is  wise  to  plan  beyond  all  other  men." 

Ulysses,  nobly  born  and  hardy,  spake 
In  turn  :  "  Tydides,  praise  me  not  too  muchr 


262  The  Iliad. 

Nor  blame  me,  for  thou  speakest  to  the  Greeks,    ^ 
Who  know  me.     Meantime  let  us  haste  to  go, 
For  the  night  wears  away,  and  morn  is  near. 
The  stars  are  high,  two  thirds  of  night  are  past,  — 
The  greater  part,  — and  scarce  a  third  remains." 

He  spake  ;  and  both  arrayed  themselves  for  fight. 
The  mighty  warrior  Thrasymedes  gave  /^ 

The  two-edged  sword  he  wore  to  Diomed,  — 
Whose  own  was  at  the  galleys,  —  and  a  shield. 
The  hero  then  put  on  his  helmet,  made 
Of  tough  bull-hide,  with  neither  cone  nor  crest,  — 
Such  as  is  worn  by  beardless  youths.     A  bow,      &-* 
Quiver,  and  sword  Meriones  bestowed 
Upon  Ulysses,  placing  on  his  brows 
A  leathern  helmet,  firmly  laced  within 
By  many  a  thong,  and  on  the  outer  side  305 

Set  thickly  with  a  tusky  boar's  white  teeth, 
Which  fenced  it  well  and  skilfully.     A  web 
Of  woollen  for  the  temples  lined  the  work. 
This  helm  Autolycus  once  bore  away 
From  Eicon,  the  city  where  he  sacked 
The  stately  palace  of  Amyntor,  son 
Of  Ormenus.     The  captor  gave  the  prize 
To  the  Cytheran  chief,  Amphidamas, 
Who  bore  it  to  Scandeia,  and  in  turu 
Bestowed  it  upon  Molus  as  his  guest,  '* 

And  Molus  gave  it  to  Meriones, 
His  son,  to  wear  in  battle.      NTow  at  last 
It  crowned  Ulysses'  temples.     When  H^ 


Book  X.  26- 

Were  all  accoutred  in  their  dreadful  arms, 
Forward  they  went,  and  left  the  assembled  chiefs, 
While,  sent  by  Pallas  forth,  upon  their  right          v 
A  heron  flew  beside  their  path.     The  bird 
They  saw  not,  for  the  night  was  dark,  but  heard 
Its  rustling  wings.     Ulysses  at  the  sound 
Rejoiced,  and  supplicated  Pallas  thus  :—  v 

"  Hear  !  daughter  of  the  yEgis-bearer  Jove  ! 
Thou  who  art  near  me  in  all  dangers,  thou 
Whose  eye  is  on  me  wheresoe'er  I  go, 
Befriend  me,  Pallas,  yet  again,  and  grant 
That,  laden  with  great  glory,  we  return  33 

Safe  to  the  galleys,  mighty  deeds  performed, 
And  woe  inflicted  on  the  Trojan  race." 

Next  Diomed,  the  great  in  battle,  prayed  :  — 
"  Daughter  invincible  of  Jove,  give  ear 
Also  to  me.     Be  with  me  now,  as  once  33 

Thou  didst  attend  on  Tycleus  nobly  born, 
My  father,  when  he  bore  an  embassy 
To  Thebe  from  the  Achaians.     He  beside 
The  Asopus  left  the  Achaians  mailed  in  brass, 
And  bore  a  friendly  message  to  the  sons  34 

Of  Cadmus,  and  on  his  return  performed 
Full  many  a  mighty  deed  with  aid  from  thee, 
Great  goddess  !  for  thou  stoodest  by  his  side. 
Stand  now  by  me  ;  be  thou  my  shield  and  guard  ; 
And  I,  in  turn,  will  offer  up  to  thee  34 

A  yearling  heifer,  broad  between  the  horns, 
Which  never  ploughman  yet  hath  tamed  to  bear 


264  The  Iliad. 

The  yoke.     Her  to  thine  altar  will  I  bring, 
With  gilded  horns,  to  be  a  sacrifice." 

So  prayed  they.    Pallas  listened  to  their  prayers ; 
And,  having  supplicated  thus  the  child  35 « 

Of  Jove  Almighty,  the  two  chiefs  went  on 
Like  lions  through  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
Through  slaughter,  heaps  of  corses,  and  black  blood. 

Nor  now  had  Hector  suffered  the  brave  sons     355 
Of  Troy  to  sleep,  but  summoned  all  the  chiefs, 
Leaders,  and  princes  of  the  host,  and  thus 
Addressed  the  assembly  with  well-ordered  words : — 

"  Who  of  you  all  will  promise  to  perform 
The  task  I  set  him,  for  a  large  reward  ?  360 

For  ample  shall  his  meed  be.    I  will  give 
A  chariot  and  two  steeds  with  lofty  necks, 
Swifter  than  the  swift  galleys  of  the  Greeks. 
Great  glory  will  be  his  whoever  dares 
Approach   those  ships  and  bring   the   knowledge 
thence  3*? 

Whether  the  fleet  is  guarded  as  before, 
Or  whether,  yielding  to  our  arms,  the  foe 
Is  meditating  flight,  and,  through  the  night 
O'ercome  with  weariness,  keeps  watch  no  more." 

He  spake  ;  and  all  were  silent  for  a  space.        3?«. 
Now  there  was  one,  among  the  Trojan  chiefs, 
Whose  father  was  Eumedes,  of  the  train 
Of  reverend  heralds.     Dolon  was  his  name, 
And  he  was  rich  in  gold  and  brass,  deformed 
In  face  but  swift  of  foot,  an  only  son  ™ 


Book  X.  265 

Among  five  sisters.     He  stood  forth  among 
The  Trojans,  and  replied  to  Hector  thus  :  — 

"  My  daring  spirit,  Hector,  urges  me 
To  visit  the  swift  ships  and  learn  the  state 
Of  the  Greek  host.     But  hold  thy  sceptre  forth,    v* 
And  solemnly  attest  the  gods  that  thou 
Wilt  give  to  me  the  horses,  and  the  car 
Engrailed  with  brass,  which  bear  the  illustrious  son 
Of  Peleus.     I  shall  not  explore  in  vain, 
Nor  balk  thy  hope  of  me  ;  for  I  will  pass  3*5 

Into  the  camp  until  I  reach  the  ship 
Of  Agamemnon,  where  the  chiefs  are  now 
Debating  whether  they  shall  fly  or  fight." 

He  spake  ;  and  Hector  held  the  sceptre  forth, 
And  swore  :  "  Be  Jupiter  the  Thunderer,  395 

Husband  of  Juno,  witness,  that  those  steeds 
Shall  bear  no  other  Trojan  than  thyself. 
That  honor  I  confirm  to  thee  alone." 

He  spake.     It  was  an  idle  oath,  yet  gave 
New  courage  to  the  spy,  who  instantly  395 

Upon  his  shoulders  hung  his  crooked  bow, 
And  round  him  flung  a  gray  wolf's  hide,  and  placed 
A  casque  of  otter-skin  upon  his  head, 
And  took  his  pointed  javelin,  and  made  haste 
To  reach  the  Grecian  fleet.     Yet  was  he  doomed  400 
Never  to  leave  that  fleet  again,  nor  bring 
Tidings  to  Hector.     Soon  was  he  beyond 
The  crowd  of  men  and  steeds,  and  eagerly 
Held  on  his  way.     Ulysses  first  perceived 

VOL.    I.  12 


266  The  Iliad. 

His  coming,  and  thus  spake  to  Diomed  :—  w 

"  Some  one,  Tydides,  from  the  enemy's  camp 
Is  coming,  either  as  a  spy,  or  else 
To  spoil  the  dead.     First  let  us  suffer  him 
To  pass  us  by  a  little  on  the  plain, 
Then  let  us  rush  and  seize  him.     Should  his  speed 
Be  greater  than  our  own,  let  us  attack  4-- 

The  fugitive  with  spears,  and  drive  him  on 
To  where  our  ships  are  lying,  from  his  camp, 
Lest,  flying  townward,  he  escape  our  hands." 

He  spake  ;  and  both  lay  down  without  the  path. 
Among  the  dead,  while  he  unwarily  416 

Passed  by  them.     When  he  now  had  gone  as  far 
As  two  yoked  mules  might  at  the  furrow's  end 
Precede  a  pair  of  oxen,  —  for  by  mules  419 

The  plough  is  drawn  more  quickly  through  the  soil 
Of  the  deep  fallow,  —  then  they  rose,  and  rushed 
To  seize  him.    As  he  heard  their  steps  he  stopped, 
In  hope  that  his  companions  had  been  sent 
From  Troy  by  Hector  to  conduct  him  back. 
But  when  they  came  within  a  javelin's  cast,  vs 

Or  haply  less,  he  saw  that  they  were  foes, 
And  moved  his  nimble  knees,  and  turned  to  flee, 
While  rapidly  they  followed.     As  two  hounds, 
Sharp-toothed,  and  trained  to  track  their  prey, pursue 
Through  forest-grounds  some  fawn  or  hare  that  runs 
Before  them  panting,  so  did  Diomed  o 

And  terrible  Ulysses  without  stop 
Follow  the  fugitive,  to  cut  him  off 


Book  X.  267 

From  his  own  people.     In  his  flight  he  came        w 
Where  soon  he  would  have  mingled  with  the  guards, 
Close  to  the  fleet.  Then  Pallas  breathed  new  strength 
Into  Tydides,  that  no  other  Greek 
Might  boast  that  he  had  wounded  Dolon  first, 
And  steal  the  honor.     Therefore,  with  his  spear 
Uplifted,  Diomed  rushed  on  and  spake  :  —  440 

"  Stop,  or  my  spear  o'ertakes  thee,  nor  wilt  thou 
Escape  a  certain  death  from  this  right  hand." 

He  spake,  and   hurled  his  spear  —  but  not  to 

smite  — 

At  Dolon,  over  whose  right  shoulder  passed 
The  polished  weapon,  and,  descending,  pierced    443 
The  ground.     Then  Dolon,  pale  and  fear-struck, 

stopped, 
And  quaked,  with  chattering  teeth  and  stammering 

speech. 

They,  breathless  with  the  chase,  came  up  and  seized 
His  hands,  while,  bursting  into  tears,  he  spake  :  — 

"  Take  me  alive,  and  ye  shall  have  from  me      45° 
A  ransom  :  there  is  store  of  brass  and  gold 
And  well-wrought  steel,  of  which  a  princely  share 
My  father  will  bestow  when  he  shall  hear 
Of  me  alive  and  at  the  Grecian  fleet." 

The  crafty  chief  Ulysses  answered  thus  :  —       45; 
"  Take  heart,  and  cease  to  think  of  death,  but  tell. 
And  truly,  why  thou  earnest  to  our  fleet  : 
Was  it  to  strip  the  bodies  of  the  dead  ? 
Camest  thou,  sent  by  Hector,  as  a  spy 


268  The  Iliad. 

Among  our  ships,  or  of  thine  own  accord  ?"          460 
And  Uolon  answered,  trembling  still  with  fear  :  — 
"  Hector,  against  my  will  and  to  my  hurt, 
Persuaded  me.     He  promised  to  bestow 
On  me  the  firm-paced  coursers,  and  the  car 
Engrailed  with  brass,  which  bear  the  illustrious  son 
Of  Peleus,  and  enjoined  me  by  the  aid  VA 

Of  darkness  to  approach  the  foe  and  learn 
Whether  ye  guard  your  galleys  as  before, 
Or,  overcome  by  us,  consult  on  Might, 
And,  wearied  with  the  hardships  of  the  day,  v 

Have  failed  to  set  the  accustomed  nightly  watch." 
The  man  of  craft,  Ulysses,  smiled,  and  said  :  — 
"  Truly,  thy  hope  was  set  on  princely  gifts,  — 
The  steeds  of  war-renowned  yEacides, 
Hard  to  be  reined  by  mortal  hands,  or  driven       4-3 
By  any,  save  by  Peleus'  son  himself, 
Whom  an  immortal  mother  bore.     But  come, 
Tell  me,  —  and  tell  the  truth,  —  where  hast  thou  left 
Hector,  the  leader  of  the  host,  and  where 
Are  laid  his  warlike  arms  ;  where  stand  his  steeds  ; 
Where  are  the  sentinels,  and  where  the  tents         481 
Of  other  chiefs  ?     On  what  do  they  consult  ? 
Will  they  remain  beside  our  galleys  here, 
Or  do  they  meditate,  since,  as  they  say, 
The  Greeks  are  beaten,  a  return  to  Troy  ?  "  4*5 

Dolon,  Eumedes'  son,  made  answer  thus  :  — 
"  What  thou  requires!  I  will  truly  tell. 
Hector  is  with  his  counsellors,  and  now, 


Book  X.  269 

Apart  from  all  the  bustle,  at  the  tomb 

Of  Ilus  the  divine,  he  plans  the  war.  & 

Sentries,  of  whom  thou  speakest,  there  are  none  ; 

No  chosen  band,  O  hero  !  has  in  charge 

To  guard  the  camp.     By  all  their  blazing  fires, 

Constrained  by  need,  the  Trojans  keep  awake, 

And  each  exhorts  his  fellow  to  maintain  493 

The  watch  :  not  so  the  auxiliar  troops  who  came 

From  far  :  they  sleep,  and  since  they  have  no  wives 

Nor  children  near,  they  let  the  Trojans  watch." 

Then  thus  the  man  of  wiles,  Ulysses,  spake  :  — • 
"  How  sleep  they,  —  mingled  with  the  knights  of 
Troy  500 

Or  by  themselves  ?     Tell  me,  that  I  may  know." 

Dolon,  Eumedes'  son,  made  answer  thus  :  — 
"What  thou  requires!  I  will  truly  tell. 
On  one  hand,  toward  the  sea,  the  bowmen  lie 
Of  Caria  and  Pseonia,  and  with  them  so; 

Lelegans,  Caucons,  and  the  gallant  tribe 
Of  the  Pelasgians.     On  the  other  hand, 
Toward  Thymbra,  are  the  Lycians,  the  proud  race 
Of  Mysia,  Phrygia's  knights,  and  cavalry 
Of  the  Maeonians.     Why  should  ye  inquire  s«> 

The  place  of  each  ?     If  ye  design  to-nighf 
To  penetrate  into  the  Trojan  camp, 
There  are  the  Thracians,  newly  come,  apart 
From  all  the  others  :  with  them  is  their  king, 
Rhesus,  the  son  of  Eioneus  ;  his  steeds  yt 

Are  far  the  largest  and  most  beautiful 


272  71  i e  Iliad. 

So  fell  Tydides  on  the  Thracian  band,  575 

Till  twelve  were  slain      Whomever  Diomed 

Approached  and  smote,  the  sage  Ulysses  seized, 

And  drew  him  backward  by  the  feet,  that  thus 

The  flowing-maned  coursers  might  pass  forth 

Unhindered,  nor,  by  treading  on  the  dead,  5*= 

Be  startled  ;  for  they  yet  were  new  to  war. 

Now  when  the  son  of  Tydeus  reached  the  king,  — 

The  thirteenth  of  his  victims,  —  him  he  slew 

As  he  breathed  heavily  ;  for  on  that  night 

A  fearful  dream,  in  shape  CEnides'  son,  585 

Stood  o'er  him,  sent  by  Pallas.     Carefully 

Ulysses  meantime  loosed  the  firm-paced  steeds, 

And,  fastening  them  together,  drave  them  forth, 

Urging  them  with  his  bow  :  he  had  not  thought 

To  take  the  showy  lash  that  lay  in  sight  590 

On  the  fair  chariot-seat.     In  going  thence 

He  whistled,  as  a  sign  to  Diomed, 

Who  lingered,  pondering  on  his  next  exploit,  — 

Whether  to  seize  the  chariot  where  was  laid 

The  embroidered  armor,  dragging  it  away  ;  &*_ 

Or,  lifting  it  aloft,  to  bear  it  thence  ; 

Or  take  more  Thracian  lives.    As  thus  his  thoughts 

Were  busy,  Pallas,  standing  near  him,  spake  :  — 

"  O  son  of  large-souled  Tydeus,  think  betimes 
Of  thy  return  to  where  the  galleys  lie  ;  <« 

Else  may  some  god  arouse  the  sons  of  Troy, 
And  thou  be  forced  to  reach  the  ships  by  flight." 

She  spake.     He  knew  the  goddess  by  her  voice, 


Book  X.  273 

And  leaped  upon  a  steed.     Ulysses  lashed 

The  horses  with  his  bow,  and  on  they  flew  eo3 

Toward  the  swift  galleys  of  the  Grecian  host. 

Apollo,  bearer  of  the  silver  bow, 
Kept  no  vain  watch,  and,  angry  when  he  saw 
Minerva  at  the  side  of  Diomed, 
Down  to  the  mighty  host  of  Troy  he  came,  sio 

And  roused  from  sleep  a  Thracian  counsellor,  — 
Hippocoon,  a  kinsman  of  the  house 
Of  Rhesus.     Leaping  from  his  couch,  he  saw 
The  vacant  spot  where  the  swift  steeds  had  stood, 
And,  weltering  in  their  blood,  the  dying  chiefs.     <»s 
He  saw,  and  wept  aloud,  and  called  by  name 
His  dear  companion.     Then  a  clamor  rose, 
And  boundless  tumult,  as  the  Trojans  came 
All  rushing  to  the  spot,  and  marvelling 
At  what  the  daring  warriors,  who  were  now  &*> 

Returning  to  the  hollow  ships,  had  clone. 

And  when  these  warriors  now  had  reached  the  spot 
Where  Hector's  spy  was  slain,  Ulysses,  dear 
To  Jupiter,  reined  in  the  fiery  steeds, 
And  Diomed  leaped  down  and  took  the  spoil        625 
'Blood-stained,  and  gave  it  to  Ulysses'  hands, 
And  mounted.     Then  again  they  urged  the  steeds, 
Which,  not  unwilling,  flew  along  the  way. 
First  Nestor  heard  the   approaching   sound,    and 
said  :  — 

"  Friends,  chiefs  and  princes  of  the  Greeks,  my 
heart  —  630 

12*  E 


274  The  Iliad. 

Truly  or  falsely  —  urges  me  to  speak. 
The  trampling  of  swift  steeds  is  in  my  ears. 

0  that  Ulysses  and  the  gallant  son 

Of  Tydeus  might  be  bringing  at  this  hour 
Firm-footed  coursers  from  the  enemy's  camp  !       635 
Yet  must  I  fear  that  these,  our  bravest  chiefs, 
Have  met  disaster  from  the  Trojan  crew." 

While  he  was  speaking  yet,  the  warriors  came. 
They  sprang  to  earth ;  their  friends,  rejoicing,  flocked 
Around  them,  greeting  them  with  grasp  of  hands  64o 
And  with  glad  words,  while  the  Gerenian  knight, 
Nestor,  inquired  :  "  Declare,  illustrious  chief, 
Glory  of  Greece,  Ulysses,  how  ye  took 
These  horses  :  from  the  foe  ;  —  or  did  some  god 
Bestow  them  ?     They  are  glorious  as  the  sun.       6« 
Oft  am  I  midst  the  Trojans,  for,  though  old, 

1  lag  not  idly  at  the  ships  ;  yet  ne'er 

Have  my  eyes  looked  on  coursers  like  to  these. 
Some  god,  no  doubt,  has  given  them,  for  to  Jove, 
The  God  of  storms,  and  Pallas,  blue-eyed  child    s5o 
Of  aegis-bearing  Jove,  ye  both  are  dear." 

Then  sage  Ulysses  answered  :  "  Pride  of  Greece  ! 
Neleian  Nestor,  truly  might  a  god 
Have  given  us  nobler  steeds  than  even  these. 
All  power  is  with  the  gods.     But  these  of  which  63- 
Thou  askest,  aged  man,  are  brought  from  Thrace, 
And  newly  come.     Brave  Diomed  hath  slain 
Their  lord,  and  twelve  companions  by  his  side,  — 
All  princes.     Yet  another  victim  fell,  — 


Book  X.  275 

A  spy  whom,  near  our  ships,  we  put  to  death,  —  <x° 
A  man  whom  Hector  and  his  brother  chiefs 
Sent  forth  by  midnight  to  explore  our  camp." 

He  spake,  and  gayly  caused  the  firm-paced  steeds 
To  pass  the  trench  ;  the  other  Greeks,  well  pleased, 
Went  with  him.  When  they  reached  the  stately  tent 
Of  Diomed,  they  led  the  coursers  on  &&6 

To  stalls  where  Diomed's  fleet  horses  stood 
Champing  the  wholesome  corn,  and  bound  them  there 
With  halters  neatly  shaped.     Ulysses  placed 
Upon  his  galley's  stern  the  bloody  spoil  670 

Of  Dolon,  to  be  made  an  offering 
To  Pallas.     Then,  descending  to  the  sea, 
They  washed  from  knees  and  neck  and  thighs  the 

grime 

Of  sweat ;  and  when  in  the  salt  wave  their  limbs 
Were  cleansed,  and  all  the  frame  refreshed,  they 

stepped  675 

Into  the  polished  basins  of  the  bath, 
And,  having  bathed  and  rubbed  with  fragrant  oil 
Their  limbs,  they  sat  them  down  to  a  repast, 
And  from  a  brimming  jar  beside  them  drew, 
And  poured  to  Pallas  first,  the  pleasant  wine.        &* 


274  The  Iliad. 

Truly  or  falsely  —  urges  me  to  speak. 
The  trampling  of  swift  steeds  is  in  my  ears. 

0  that  Ulysses  and  the  gallant  son 

Of  Tydeus  might  be  bringing  at  this  hour 
Firm-footed  coursers  from  the  enemy's  camp  !       635 
Yet  must  I  fear  that  these,  our  bravest  chiefs, 
Have  met  disaster  from  the  Trojan  crew." 

While  he  was  speaking  yet,  the  warriors  came. 
They  sprang  to  earth ;  their  friends,  rejoicing,  flocked 
Around  them,  greeting  them  with  grasp  of  hands  640 
And  with  glad  words,  while  the  Gerenian  knight, 
Nestor,  inquired  :  "  Declare,  illustrious  chief, 
Glory  of  Greece,  Ulysses,  how  ye  took 
These  horses  :  from  the  foe  ;  —  or  did  some  god 
Bestow  them  ?     They  are  glorious  as  the  sun.       645 
Oft  am  I  midst  the  Trojans,  for,  though  old, 

1  lag  not  idly  at  the  ships  ;  yet  ne'er 

Have  my  eyes  looked  on  coursers  like  to  these. 
Some  god,  no  doubt,  has  given  them,  for  to  Jove, 
The  God  of  storms,  and  Pallas,  blue-eyed  child    <=5o 
Of  aegis-bearing  Jove,  ye  both  are  dear." 

Then  sage  Ulysses  answered  :  "  Pride  of  Greece  ! 
Neleian  Nestor,  truly  might  a  god 
Have  given  us  nobler  steeds  than  even  these. 
All  power  is  with  the  gods.     But  these  of  which  ^ 
Thou  askest,  aged  man,  are  brought  from  Thrace, 
And  newly  come.     Brave  Diomed  hath  slain 
Their  lord,  and  twelve  companions  by  his  side,  — 
All  princes.     Yet  another  victim  fell,  — 


Book  X.  275 

A  spy  whom,  near  our  ships,  we  put  to  death,  —  &6o 
A  man  whom  Hector  and  his  brother  chiefs 
Sent  forth  by  midnight  to  explore  our  camp." 

He  spake,  and  gayly  caused  the  firm-paced  steeds 
To  pass  the  trench  ;  the  other  Greeks,  well  pleased, 
Went  with  him.  When  they  reached  the  stately  tent 
Of  Diomed,  they  led  the  coursers  on  &&6 

To  stalls  where  Diomed's  fleet  horses  stood 
Champing  the  wholesome  corn,  and  bound  them  there 
With  halters  neatly  shaped.     Ulysses  placed 
Upon  his  galley's  stern  the  bloody  spoil  670 

Of  Dolon,  to  be  made  an  offering 
To  Pallas.     Then,  descending  to  the  sea, 
They  washed  from  knees  and  neck  and  thighs  the 

grime 

Of  sweat ;  and  when  in  the  salt  wave  their  limbs 
Were  cleansed,  and  all  the  frame  refreshed,  they 

stepped  675 

Into  the  polished  basins  of  the  bath, 
And,  having  bathed  and  rubbed  with  fragrant  oil 
Their  limbs,  they  sat  them  down  to  a  repast, 
And  from  a  brimming  jar  beside  them  drew, 
And  poured  to  Pallas  first,  the  pleasant  wine.        «* 


276  The  Iliad. 


BOOK     XI. 

NOW  did  the  Morning  from  her  couch  beside 
Renowned  Tithonus  rise,  that  she  might  bring 
The  light  to  gods  and  men,  when  Jupiter 
To  the  swift  galleys  of  the  Grecian  host 
Sent  baleful  Strife,  who  bore  in  hand  aloft  5 

War's  ensigns.   On  the  huge  black  ship  that  brought 
Ulysses,  in  the  centre  of  the  fleet, 
She  stood,  where  she  might  shout  to  either  side,  — 
To  Telamonian  Ajax  in  his  tents 
And  to  Achilles,  who  had  ranged  their  ships          «o 
At  each  extreme  of  the  Achaian  camp, 
Relying  on  their  valor  and  strong  arms. 
Loud  was  the  voice,  and  terrible,  in  which 
She  shouted  from  her  station  to  the  Greeks, 
And  into  every  heart  it  carried  strength  15 

And  the  resolve  to  combat  manfully 
And  never  yield.     The  battle  now  to  them 
Seemed  more  to  be  desired  than  the  return 
To  their  dear  country  in  their  roomy  ships. 
Atrides  called  aloud,  exhorting  them  =o 

To  gird  themselves  for  battle.     Then  he  clad 
Himself  in  glittering  brass.     First  to  his  thighs 
He  bound  the  beautiful  greaves  with  silver  clasps, 
Then  fitted  to  his  chest  the  breastplate 'given 
By  Cinyras,  a  pledge  of  kind  intent ; —  ••>•, 

For,  when  he  heard  in  Cyprus  that  the  Greeks 


Book  XL  277 

Were  bound  for  Ilium  in  their  ships,  he  sent 
This  gift,  a  homage  to  the  king  of  men  ;  — 
Ten  were  its  bars  of  tawny  bronze,  and  twelve 
Were  gold,  and  twenty  tin  ;  and  on  each  side        30 
Were  three  bronze  serpents  stretching  toward  the 

neck, 

Curved  like  the  colored  bow  which  Saturn's  son 
Sets  in  the  clouds,  a  sign  to  men.     He  hung 
His  sword,  all  glittering  with  its  golden  studs, 
About  his  shoulders.     In  a  silver  sheath  35 

It  nestled,  which  was  slung  on  golden  rings. 
And  then  he  took  his  shield,  a  mighty  orb, 
And  nobly  wrought  and  strong  and  beautiful, 
Bound  with  ten  brazen  circles.     On  its  disk 
WTere  twenty  bosses  of  white  tin,  and  one  40 

Of  tawny  bronze  just  in  the  midst,  where  glared 
A  Gorgon's-head  with  angry  eyes,  round  which 
Were  sculptured  Fear  and  Flight.     Along  its  band 
Of  silver  twined  a  serpent  wrought  in  bronze, 
With  three  heads   springing  from   one   neck   and 

formed  « 

Into  an  orb.     Upon  his  head  he  placed 
A  helmet  rough  with  studs  on  every  side, 
And  with  four  bosses,  and  a  horse-hair  plume 
That  nodded  fearfully  on  high.     He  took 
In  hand  two  massive  spears,  brass-tipped  and  sharp, 
That  shone  afar  and  sent  their  light  to  heaven,      5. 
Where  Juno  and  Minerva  made  a  sound 
Like  thunder  in  mid-sky,  as  honoring 


2/8  The  Iliad. 

The  sovereign  of  Mycenae  rich  in  gold. 

Each  chief  gave  orders  to  his  charioteer  55 

To  stay  his  horses  firmly  by  the  trench, 
While  they  rushed  forth  in  arms.     At  once  arose, 
Ere  yet  the  sun  was  up,  a  mighty  din. 
They  marshalled  by  the  trench  the  men  on  foot  ; 
The  horse  came  after,  with  short  space  between.    &o 
The  son  of  Saturn  sent  among  their  ranks 
Confusion,  and  dropped  down  upon  the  host 
Dews  tinged  with  blood,  in  sign  that  he  that  day 
Would  send  to  Hades  many  a  valiant  chief. 

The  Trojans,  on  their  side,  in  the  mid-plain       ^ 
Drew  up  their  squadrons  on  a  hill,  around 
The  mighty  Hector,  and  Polydamas 
The  blameless,  and  yEneas,  who  among 
The  sons  of  Troy  was  honored  like  a  god, 
And  three  sons  of  Antenor,  who  were  named 
Agenor  and  the  noble  Polybus 
And  the  young  Acamas  of  godlike  bloom, 
There  Hector  in  the  van  uplifted  bore 
His  broad  round  shield.     As  some  portentous  star 
Breaks  from  the  clouds  and  shines,  and  then  again 
Enters  their  shadow,  Hector  thus  appeared 
Among  the  foremost,  issuing  his  commands, 
Then  sought  the  hindmost.      All  in  brass,  he  shone 
Like  lightnings  of  the  ^Egis-bearer,  Jove. 

As  when  two  lines  of  reapers,  face  to  face,          a 
In  some  rich  landlord's  field  of  barley  or  wheat 
Move  on,  and  fast  the  severed  handfuls  fall, 


Book  XL  279 

So,  springing  on  each  other,  they  of  Troy 

And  they  of  Argos  smote  each  other  down, 

And  neither  thought  of  ignominious  flight.  *<•> 

They  met  each  other  man  to  man  ;  they  rushed 

Like  wolves  to  combat.     Cruel  Strife  looked  on 

Rejoicing  ;  she  alone  of  all  the  gods 

Was  present  in  the  battle  ;  all  the  rest, 

Far  off,  sat  quiet  in  their  palaces, 

The  glorious  mansions  built  for  them  along 

The  summits  of  Olympus.     Yet  they  all 

Blamed  Saturn's  son  that  he  should  honor  thus 

The  Trojans.     The  All-Father  heeded  not 

Their  murmurings,  but,  seated  by  himself  95 

Apart,  exulting  in  his  sovereignty, 

Looked  on  the  city  of  Troy,  the  ships  of  Greece, 

The  gleam  of  arms,  the  slayers,  and  the  slain. 

While  yet 't  was  morn,  and  still  the  holy  light 
Of  day  was  brightening,  fast  the  weapons  smote    i°° 
On  either  side,  and  fast  the  people  fell  ; 
But  at  the  hour  when  on  the  mountain-slope 
The  wood-cutter  makes  ready  his  repast, 
Weary  with  felling  lofty  trees,  and  glad 
To  rest,  and  eager  for  the  grateful  meal,  .05 

The  Greeks,  encouraging  each  other,  charged 
And  broke  the  serried  phalanxes  of  Troy. 
First  Agamemnon,  springing  forward,  slew 
The  shepherd  of  his  people  and  their  chief, 
Bienor,  and  his  trusty  comrade  next,  —  no 

The  charioteer  Oileus.  who  had  'eaped 


280  The  Iliad. 

Down  from  his  chariot  to  confront  the  king. 
Him  Agamemnon  with  his  trenchant  spear 
Smote  in  the  forehead  as  he  came.     The  helm 
Of  massive  brass  was  vain  to  stay  the  blow  :          us 
The  weapon  pierced  it  and  the  bone,  and  stained 
The  brain  with  blood  ;  it  felled  him  rushing  on. 
The  monarch  stripped  the  slain,  and,  leaving  them 
With  their  white  bosoms  bare,  went  on  to  slay 
Isus  and  Antiphus,  King  Priam's  sons,  —  «*> 

One  born  in  wedlock,  one  of  baser  birth,  — • 
Both  in  one  chariot.     Isus  held  the  reins 
While  Antiphus,  the  high-born  brother,  fought. 
These  had  Achilles  once  on  Ida's  height 
Made  prisoners,  as  they  fed  their  flocks  ;  he  bound 
Their  limbs  with  osier  bands,  but  gave  them  up  ™<> 
For  ransom  to  the  Trojans.     Now  the  king 
Of  men,  Atrides  Agamemnon,  pierced 
Isus  above  the  nipple  with  his  spear, 
And  with  his  falchion  smiting  Antiphus  13° 

Beside  the  ear,  he  hurled  him  from  his  car. 
Then  hastening  up,  and  stripping  from  the  dead 
Their  shining  mail,  he  knew  them  ;  he  had  seen 
Both  at  the  ships  to  which  the  fleet  of  foot, 
Achilles,  brought  them  bound  from  Ida's  side.      135 
As  when  a  lion  comes  upon  the  haunt 
Of  a  swift  hind,  to  make  an  easy  prey 
Of  her  young  fawns,  and,  with  his  powerful  teeth 
Seizing  them,  takes  their  tender  lives  ;  while  she, 
Though  nigh,  can  bring  no  aid  but  yields  herself    M« 


Book  XI.  281 

To  mortal  tear,  and,  to  escape  his  rage, 
Flies  swiftly  through  the  wood  of  close-grown  oaks, 
With  sweaty  sides,  —  thus  none  of  all  the  host 
Of  Trojans  could  avert  from  Priam's  sons 
Their  fate,  but  fled  in  terror  from  the  Greeks.        m 
Next  on  Pisander  and  Hippolochus 
Atrides  rushed,  — brave  warriors  both,  and  sons 
Of  brave  Antimachus,  the  chief  who  took 
Gold  and  rich  gifts  from  Paris,  and  refused 
To  let  the  Trojans  render  Helen  back  ij» 

To  fair-haired  Menelaus.     His  two  sons, 
Both  in  one  car,  and  reining  their  fleet  steeds, 
Atrides  intercepted  ;  they  let  fall 
The  embroidered  reins,  dismayed,  as,  lion-like, 
Forward    he    came  ;    and,    cowering,    thus    they 
prayed  :  —  155 

"  Take  us  alive,  Atrides,  and  accept 
A  worthy  ransom,  for  Antimachus 
Keeps  in  his  halls  large  treasures,  —  brass  and  gold. 
And  well-wrought  steel ;  and  he  will  send,  from  these, 
Large  ransom,  hearing  we  are  at  the  fleet  i<« 

Alive."     So  prayed  they  with  bland  words,  and  met 
Harsh  answer  :  "  Since  ye  call  Antimachus 
Vour  father,  who  in  Trojan  council  once 
Proposed  that  Menelaus,  whom  we  sent 
A  legate  with  Ulysses  the  divine,  165 

Should  not  return  to  Greece,  but  suffer  death, 
Vour  blood  must  answer  for  your  father's  guilt." 

So  spake  the  king,  and,  striking  with  his  spear 


282  The  Iliad. 

Pisander's  breast,  he  dashed  him  from  the  car. 
Prone  on  the  ground  he  lay.     Hippolochus  i-« 

Leaped  down  and  met  the  sword.     Atrides  lopped 
His  hands  and  drave  the  weapon  through  his  neck, 
And  sent  the  head  to  roll  among  the  crowd. 
And  then  he  left  the  dead,  and  rushed  to  where 
The  ranks  were  in  disorder;  with  him  went  »?s 

His  well-armed  Greeks  ;   there  they  who  fought  on 

foot 

Slaughtered  the  flying  foot  ;  the  horsemen  there 
Clove  horsemen  down  :  the  coursers'  trampling  feet 
Raised  the  thick  dust  to  shadow  all  the  plain  ; 
While  Agamemnon  cheered  the  Achaians  on,        i*> 
And  chased  and  slew  the  foe.     As  when  a  fire 
Seizes  a  thick-grown  forest,  and  the  wind 
Drives  it  along  in  eddies,  while  the  trunks 
Fall  with  the  boughs  amid  devouring  flames, 
So  fell  the  flying  Trojans  by  the  hand  185 

Of  Agamemnon.     Many  high-manecl  steeds 
Dragged  noisily  their  empty  cars  among 
The  ranks  of  battle,  never  more  to  bear' 
Their  charioteers,  who  lay  upon  the  earth 
The  vulture's  feast,  a  sorrow  to  their  wives.  19° 

But  Jove  beyond  the  encountering  arms,  the  dust, 
The  carnage,  and  the  bloodshed  and  the  din  . 
Bore  Hector,  while  Atrides  in  pursuit 
Was  loudly  cheering  the  Achaians  on. 
Meantime  the  Trojans  fled  across  the  plain  19; 

Toward  the  wild  fig-tree  growing  near  the  tomb 


Book  XI.  283 

Of  ancient  Ilus,  son  of  Uardanus,  — 
Eager  to  reach  the  town  ;  and  still  the  son 
Of  Atreus  followed,  shouting,  and  with  hands 
Blood-stained  and  dust-begrimed.     And  when  they 
reached  »o 

The  Scaean  portals  and  the  beechen  tree, 
They  halted,  waiting  for  the  rear,  like  beeves 
Chased  panting  by  a  lion  who  has  come 
At  midnight  on  them,  and  has  put  the  herd 
To  flight,  and  one  of  them  to  certain  death,  —      ^ 
Whose  neck  he  breaks  with  his  strong  teeth  and  then 
Devours  the  entrails,  lapping  up  the  blood. 
Thus  did  Atrides  Agamemnon  chase 
The  Trojans  ;  still  he  slew  the  hindmost ;  still 
They  fled  before  him.     Many  by  his  hand  210 

Fell  from  their  chariots  prone,  for  terrible 
Beyond  all  others  with  the  spear  was  he. 
But  when  he  now  was  near  the  city-wall, 
The  Father  of  immortals  and  of  men 
Came  down  from  the  high  heaven,  and  took  his  seat 
On  many-fountained  Ida.     In  his  grasp  216 

He  held  a  thunderbolt,  and  this  command 
He  gave  to  Iris  of  the  golden  wings :  — 

"  Haste,  Iris  fleet  of  wing,  and  bear  my  -words 
To  Hector  :  —  While  he  sees  the  king  of  men,      <v. 
Atrides,  in  the  van  and  dealing  death 
Among  the  ranks  of  warriors,  let  him  still 
Give  way,  encouraging  his  men  to  hold 
Unflinching  battle  with  the  enemy. 


284  The  Iliad. 

But  when  Atrides,  wounded  by  a  spear  »«5 

Or  arrow,  shall  ascend  his  chariot,  then 

Will  I  nerve  Hector's  arm  with  strength  to  slay 

Until  he  come  to  the  good  ships  of  Greece, 

And  the  sun  set,  and  hallowed  night  come  down." 

He  spake ;  and  she,  whose  feet  are  like  the  wind 
In  swiftness,  heeded  the  command,  and  flew          -^ 
From  Ida's  summit  to  the  sacred  town 
Of  Troy,  and  found  the  noble  Hector,  son 
Of  warlike  Priam,  standing  mid  the  steeds 
And  the  strong  chariots,  and,  approaching,  said  :  — 

"  O  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  and  like  Jove  *& 

In  council  !  Jove  the  All-Father  bids  me  say, 
As  long  as  thou  shalt  see  the  king  of  men, 
Atrides,  in  the  van,  and  dealing  death 
Among  the  ranks  of  warriors,  thou  shalt  still        **> 
Give  way,  encouraging  thy  men  to  hold 
Unflinching  battle  with  the  enemy  ; 
But  when  Atrides,  wounded  by  a  spear 
Or  arrow,  shall  ascend  his  chariot,  then 
Will  Jove  endue  thy  arm  with  strength  to  slay      w 
Until  thou  come  to  the  good  ships  of  Greece, 
And  the  sun  set,  and  hallowed  night  come  down." 

So  the  fleet  Iris  spake,  and  went  her  way  ; 
While  Hector,  leaping  from  his  car  in  arms, 
And  wielding  his  sharp  spears,  went  everywhere  ^ 
Among  the  Trojan  ranks,  exhorting  them 
To  combat,  and  renewed  the  stubborn  fight. 
They  rallied  and  stood  firm  against  the  Greeks. 


Book  XL  285 

The  Greeks,  in  turn,  made  strong  their  phalanxes. 
The  battle  raged  again,  as  front  to  front  255 

They  stood,  while  Agamemnon  eagerly 
Pressed  forward,  proud  tc  lead  the  van  in  fight. 

Say,  Muses,  dwellers  of  Olympus  !  who 
First  of  the  Trojans  or  their  brave  allies 
Encountered  Atreus'  son  ?     Iphidarnas,  •**> 

Son  of  Anterior,  strong  and  daring,  bred 
On  the  rich  soil  of  Thrace,  the  nurse  of  flocks. 
His  grandsire  Cisseus,  from  whose  loins  the  fair 
Theano  sprang,  had  reared  him  from  a  child 
Within  his  palace  ;  and,  when  he  attained  265 

Youth's  glorious  prime,  still  kept  him,  giving  him 
His  child  to  wife.     He  wedded  her,  but  left 
At  once  the  bridal  chamber  when  he  heard 
Of  the  Greek  war  on  Ilium,  and  set  sail 
With  twelve  beaked  galleys.    These  he  afterward  270 
Left  at  Percope,  —  marching  on  to  Troy. 
And  he  it  was  who  came  to  meet  the  son 
Of  Atreus.     As  the  heroes  now  drew  near 
Each  other,  Agamemnon  missed  his  aim ; 
His  thrust  was  parried.     Then  Iphidamas  275 

Dealt  him  beneath  the  breastplate  on  the  belt 
A  vigorous  blow,  and  urged  the  spear  with  all 
His  strength  of  arm  ;  yet  through  the  plated  belt 
It  could  not  pierce,  for  there  it  met  a  plate 
Of  silver,  and  its  point  was  turned  like  lead.          ?*. 
With  lion  strength,  Atrides  seized  and  drew 
The  weapon  toward  him,  plucked  it  from  the  hand 


286  The  Iliad. 

That  held  it,  and  let  fall  his  falchion's  edge 

Upon  the  Trojan's  neck  and  laid  him  dead. 

Unhappy  youth  !  he  slept  an  iron  sleep,  —  285 

Slain  fighting  for  his  country,  far  away 

From  the  young  virgin  bride  yet  scarcely  his, 

For  whom  large  marriage-gifts  he  made,  —  of  beeves 

A  hundred,  —  and  had  promised  from  the  flocks 

That  thronged  his  fields  a  thousand  sheep  and  goats. 

Atrides  Agamemnon  spoiled  the  slain,  291 

And  bore  his  glorious  armor  off  among 

The  Argive  host.     Antenor's  elder  son, 

Illustrious  Coon,  saw,  and  bitter  grief 

For  his  slain  brother  dimmed  his  eyes.     He  stood 

Aside,  with  his  spear  couched,  while  unaware       ^ 

The  noble  Agamemnon  passed,  and  pierced 

The  middle  of  the  monarch's  arm  below 

The  elbow  ;  through  the  flesh  the  shining  point 

Passed  to  the  other  side.     The  king  of  men,         300 

Atrides,  shuddered,  yet  refrained  not  then 

From  combat ;  but  with  his  wind-seasoned  spear 

He  rushed  on  Coon,  who,  to  drag  away 

His  father's  son  Iphidamas,  had  seized 

The  body  by  the  feet,  and  called  his  friends,         305 

The  bravest,  to  his  aid.     Atrides  thrust 

His  brazen  spear  below  the  bossy  shield, 

And  slew  him  as  he  drew  the  corpse,  and  o'er 

The  dead  Iphidamas  struck  off  his  head. 

Thus  were  Antenor's  sons  —  their  doom  fulfilled  — 

Sent  by  Atrides  to  the  realm  of  death.  3" 


Book  XL  287 

And  then  he  ranged  among  the  enemy's  ranks 
With  wielded  lance  and  sword  and  ponderous  stones, 
While  yet  the  warm  blood  issued  from  his  wound. 
But  when  the  wound  grew  dry,  and  ceased  to  flow  3*3 
With  blood,  keen  anguish  seized  his  vigorous  frame. 
As  when  a  woman  feels  the  piercing  pangs 
Of  travail  brought  her  by  the  Ilythian  maids, 
Daughters  of  Juno,  who  preside  at  births, 
And  walk  the  ministers  of  bitter  pains,  —  320 

Such  anguish  seized  on  Agamemnon's  frame  ; 
And,  leaping  to  his  chariot-seat,  he  bade 
The  guider  of  the  steeds  make  haste  to  reach 
The  roomy  ships,  for  he  was  overcome  324 

With  pain  ;  but  first  he  shouted  to  the  Greeks  :  — 

"  O  friends,  the  chiefs  and  princes  of  the  Greeks ! 
Yours  is  the  duty  to  drive  back  the  war 
From  our  good  ships,  since  all-disposing  Jove 
Forbids  me,  for  this  day,  to  lead  the  fight." 

He  spake.     The  charioteer  applied  the  lash,     330 
And  not  unwillingly  the  long-maned  steeds 
Flew  toward  the  hollow  ships  ;  upon  their  breasts 
Gathered  the  foam  ;  beneath  their  rapid  feet 
Arose  the  dust,  as  from  the  battle's  din 
They  bore  the  wounded  warrior.     Hector  saw      «s 
The  flight  of  Agamemnon,  and  aloud 
Called  to  the  Trojans  and  the  Lycians  thus  :  — 

"  Trojan  and  Lycian  warriors,  and  ye  sons 
Of  Dardanus,  who  combat  hand  to  hand, 
Be  men  ;  be  mindful  of  your  fame  in  war.  340 


288  The  Iliad. 

Our  mightiest  foe  withdraws ;  Saturn ian  Jove 
Crowns  me  with  glory.    Urge  your  firm-paced  steeds 
On  the  brave  Greeks,  and  win  yet  nobler  fame." 

He  spake.     His   words  gave  courage  and  new 

strength 

To  every  heart.     As  when  a  hunter  cheers  345 

His  white-toothed  dogs  against  some  lioness 
Or  wild  boar  from  the  forest,  Hector  thus, 
The  son  of  Priam,  terrible  as  Mars 
The  slayer  of  men,  cheered  on  the  gallant  sons 
Of  Troy  against  the  Greeks.     Himself,  inspired    350 
With  fiery  valor,  rushed  among  the  foes 
In  the  mid-battle  foremost,  like  a  storm 
That  swoops  from  heaven,  and  on  the  dark-blue  sea 
P'alls  suddenly,  and  stirs  it  to  its  depths. 

Who  then  was  slain  the  first,  and  who  the  last,  355 
By  Hector,  Priam's  son,  whom  Jove  designed 
To  honor  ?     First,  Asaeus  ;  Dolops,  son 
Of  Clytis  ;  and  Autonoiis  ;  and  then 
Opites  and  Opheltius  ;  next  to  whom 
y'Esymnus,  Agelaus,  Orus  fell,  36° 

And  resolute  Hipponoiis  the  last. 
All  these,  the  princes  of  the  Greeks,  he  slew, 
Then  smote  the  common  crowd.     As  when  a  gale 
Blows  from  the  west  upon  the  mass  of  cloud 
Piled  up  before  the  south-wind's  powerful  breath,  305 
And  tears  it  with  a  mighty  hurricane, 
While  the  swoln  billows  tumble,  and  their  foam 
Is  flung  on  high  before  the  furious  blast, 


Book  XL  289 

So  by  the  sword  of  Hector  fell  the  heads 

Of  the  Greek  soldiery  ;  and  there  had  been  -J7o 

Ruin  and  ravage  not  to  be  repaired, 

And  the  defeated  Greeks  had  flung  themselves 

Into  their  ships,  had  not  Ulysses  then 

Exhorted  thus  Tydides  Diomed  :  — 

"  Tydides  !  what  has  quenched  within  our  hearts 
Their  fiery  valor  ?     Come,  my  friend,  and  take      376 
Thy  stand  beside  me  :  foul  disgrace  were  ours 
Should  crested  Hector  make  our  fleet  his  prize." 

And  thus  the  valiant  Diomed  replied  :  — 
"  Most  willingly  I  stand,  and  bear  my  part  380 

In  battle  ;  but  with  little  hope,  for  Jove, 
The  God  of  storms,  awards  the  day  to  Troy." 

He  spake,  and  pierced  Thymbrseus  with  his  spear 
Through  the  left  breast,  and  dashed  him  from  his  car. 
Meanwhile  Ulysses  struck  Molion  down,  385 

The  prince's  stately  comrade.     These  they  left 
Never  to  fight  again,  and  made  their  way 
Through  the  thick  squadrons,  carrying,  as  they  went, 
Confusion  with  them.     As  two  fearless  boars 
Rush  on  the  hounds,  so,  mingling  in  the  war,        390 
They  bore  the  foe  before  them,  and  the  Greeks 
Welcomed  a  respite  from  the  havoc  made 
By  noble  Hector.     Next  they  seized  a  car 
Which  bore  two  chiefs,  the  bravest  of  their  host,  — 
Sons  of  Percosian  Merops,  who  was  skilled  395 

Beyond  all  men  in  portents.     He  enjoined 
His  sons  to  keep  aloof  from  murderous  war. 

VOL.  r.  13  s 


290  Tlie  Iliad. 

Yet  did  they  not  obey  him,  for  the  fate 

That  doomed  the  twain  to  death  impelled  them  on  •, 

And  Diomed,  the  mighty  with  the  spear,  400 

Spoiled  them  of  life,  and  bore  their  armor  off, 

A  glittering  prize.     Meantime  Ulysses  sle\v 

Hippodamus,  and  next  Hypirochus. 

The  son  of  Saturn  looked  from  Ida's  height, 

And  bade  the  battle  rage  on  either  side  405 

With  equal  fury  :  both  the  encountering  hosts 

Slew  and  were  slain.     Tydicles  with  his  spear 

Smote  on  the  hip  the  chief  Agastrophus, 

The  son  of  Paeon,  thoughtless  wretch,  whose  steeds 

Were  not  at  hand  for  flight  ;  his  charioteer  410 

Held  them  at  distance,  while  their  master  rushed 

Among  the  foremost  warriors  till  he  fell. 

Hector  perceived  his  fall,  as  through  the  files 

He  looked,  and  straightway  hastened  to  the  spot 

With  shouts  ;  and  after  him  came  rapidly  415 

The  phalanxes  of  Trojans.     Diomed, 

The  great  in  battle,  shuddered  as  he  saw, 

And  thus  addressed  Ulysses,  who  was  near  :  — 

"  Lo  !  the  destroyer,  furious  Hector,  comes  ! 
Let  us  stand  firm,  and  face  and  drive  him  back."  ^ 

He  said,  and  cast  his  brandished  lance,  nor  missed 
The  mark  :  it  smote  the  helm  on  Hector's  head. 
The  brass  glanced  from  the  brass  ;  it  could  not  pierce 
To  the  fair  skin  ;  the  high  and  threefold  helm  — 
A  gift  from  Phoebus  —  turned  the  point  aside.       4=5 
The  chief  fell  back,  and,  mingling  with  the  throng, 


Book  XI.  291 

Dropped  on  one  knee,  and  yet  upheld  himself 
With  one  broad  palm  upon  the  ground,  while  night 
Darkened  his  eyes.     The  son  of  Tydeus  sprang 
To  seize  his  spear,  which  now  stood  fixed  in  earth 
Among  the  foremost  warriors.     In  that  time         43- 
Did  Hector  breathe  again,  and,  having  leaped 
Into  his  chariot,  he  avoided  death, 
By  mingling  with  the  crowd  ;  while,  spear  in  hand, 
Brave  Diomed  pursued  him,  shouting  thus  : —      «5 

"  This  time,   thou  cur,   hast    thou   escaped   thy 

doom, 

Though  it  was  nigh  thee.     Phoebus  rescues  thee  — 
The  god  to  whom  thou  dost  address  thy  prayers  — 
Whene'er  thou  venturest  mid  the  clash  of  spears.  ^ 
Yet  will  I  surely  slay  thee  when  we  meet, 
If  any  god  be  on  my  side  ;  and  now 
I  go  to  strike  where'er  I  find  a  foe." 

He  spake,  and  struck  the  son  of  Paeon  down, 
Skilful  to  wield  the  spear.  But  now  the  spouse 
Of  fair-haired  Helen  —  Alexander  —  stood  445 

Leaning  against  a  pillar  by  the  tomb 
Of  the  Dardanian  Ilus,  who  had  been 
An  elder  of  the  people  ;  and  he  bent 
His  bow  against  the  monarch  Diomed, 
Who  at  that  moment  knelt  to  strip  the  slain  450 

Of  the  rich  breastplate,  and  the  shield  that  hung 
Upon  his  shoulders,  and  the  massive  casque. 
The  Trojan  drew  the  bow's  elastic  horn, 
c\nd  sent  an  arrow  that  not  vainly  flew, 


292  The  Iliad. 

But,  striking  the  right  foot,   pierced  through,  and 
reached  45? 

The  ground  beneath.     Then  Paris,  with  a  laugh, 
Sprang  from  his  ambush,  shouting  boastfully  :  — 

"  Lo,  thou  art  smitten  !     Not  in  vain  my  shaft 
Has  flown  ;  and  would  that  it  had  pierced  thy  groin 
And  slain  thee  !    Then  the  Trojans  had  obtained  460 
Reprieve  from  slaughter,  —  they  who  dread  thee  now 
As  bleating  goats  a  lion."     Undismayed, 
The  valiant  Diomed  made  answer  thus  :  — 

"  Archer  and  railer  !  proud  of  thy  smart  bow, 
And  ogler  of  the  women  !  wouldst  thou  make       4&5 
Trial  of  valor  hand  to  hand  with  me, 
Thy  bow  should  not  avail  thee,  nor  thy  sheaf 
Of  many  arrows.     Thou  dost  idly  boast 
That  thou  hast  hit  my  foot.     I  heed  it  not. 
It  is  as  if  a  woman  or  a  child  w 

Had  struck  me.     Lightly  falls  the  weapon-stroke 
Of  an  unwarlike  weakling.     'T  is  not  so 
With  me,  for  when  one  feels  my  weapon's  touch, 
It  passes  through  him,  and  he  dies  ;  his  wife 
Tears  with  her  hands  her  cheeks  ;  his  little  ones  475 
Are  orphans  ;  earth  is  crimsoned  with  his  blood  ; 
And  flocking  round  his  carcass  in  decay, 
More  numerous  than  \vomen,  are  the  birds." 

He  spake.     Ulysses,  mighty  with  the  spear, 
Came  near  and  stood  before  him  while  he  sat       •» 
Concealed,  and  drew  the  arrow  from  his  foot. 
Keen  was  the  agony  Miat  suddenly 


Book  XL  293 

Shot  through  his  frame  :  he  leaped  into  his  car, 
And  bade  his  charioteer  make  haste  to  reach 
The  roomy  ships  :  the  pain  had  reached  his  heart. 
Ulysses,  the  great  spearman,  now  was  left  486 

Alone,  no  Greek  remaining  by  his  side  ; 
For  fear  had  seized  them  all.     With  inward  grief 
The  hero  thus  addressed  his  mighty  soul  :  — 

"  What  will  become  of  me  ?     A  great  disgrace  49* 
Will  overtake  me  if  I  flee  in  fear 
Before  this  multitude  ;  and  worse  will  be 
My  fate  if  I  am  taken  here  alone, 
While  Jove  has  driven  away  the  other  Greeks 
In  terror.     \Vhy  these  questions,  since  I  know      495 
That  cowards  skulk  from  combat,  while  the  brave, 
Wounded  or  wounding  others,  keeps  his  ground  ?  " 

While  thus  he  reasoned  with  himself,  the  ranks 
Of  Trojans  armed  with  bucklers  came  and  closed 
Around  their  dreaded  enemy.  As  when  s°<> 

A  troop  of  vigorous  dogs  and  youths  assail 
From  every  side  a  wild  boar  issuing  forth 
From  a  deep  thicket,  whetting  the  white  tusks 
Within  his  crooked  jaws  ;  they  press  around, 
And  hear  his  gnashings,  yet  beware  to  come         505 
Too  nigh  the  terrible  animal,  —  so  rushed 
The  Trojans  round  Ulysses,  the  beloved 
Of  Jupiter.     Then  first  the  hero  smote 
Dei'opites  on  the  shoulder-blade, 
And  next  struck  Thoon  down,  and  Ennomus,       s» 
And  in  the  navel  pierced  Chersidamas 


294  The  Iliad. 

With  his  sharp  spear,  below  the  bossy  shield, 
When  leaping  from  his  chariot.     In  the  dust 
He  fell,  and  grasped  the  earth  with  dying  hands. 
Ulysses  left  them  there,  and  with  his  spear  s»s 

He  wounded  Charops,  son  of  Hippasus, 
And  brother  of  brave  Socus.     Socus  saw, 
And  hastened  to  his  aid,  and,  standing  near, 
The  godlike  chief  bespake  Ulysses  thus  :  — 

"  Renowned  Ulysses  !  of  whose  artstind  toils  5™ 
There  is  no  end,  thou  either  shalt  to-day 
Boast  to  have  slain  two  sons  of  Hippasus, 
Brave  as  they  are,  and  stripped  them  of  their  arms, 
Or,  smitten  by  my  javelin,  lose  thy  life." 

He  spake,  and  smote  the  Grecian's  orbed  shield. 
The  swift  spear,  passing  through  the  shining  disk,  <&> 
And  fixed  in  the  rich  breastplate,  tore  the  skin 
From  all  his  side ;  yet  Pallas  suffered  not 
The  blade  to  reach  the  inner  parts.     At  once 
The  chief  perceived  that  Socus  had  not  given        530 
A  mortal  wound,  and,  falling  back  a  step, 
Thus  spake  :  "  Unhappy  youth,  thy  doom  will  soon 
O'ertake  thee.     Though  thou  forcest  me  to  pause 
From  combat  with  the  Trojans,  I  declare, 
This  day  thou  sufferest  the  black  doom  of  death.  535 
Thou,  smitten  by  my  spear,  shalt  bring  to  me 
Increase  of  glory,  and  shalt  yield  thy  soul 
To  the  grim  horseman  Pluto."     Thus  he  spake, 
Wrhile  Socus  turned  to  flee  ;  and  as  he  turned, 
Ulysses  with  the  spear  transfixed  his  back,  540 


Book  XI.  295 

And  dtave  the  weapon  through  his  breast :  he  fell, 
With  armor  clashing,  to  the  earth,  while  thus 
The  great  Ulysses  gloried  over  him  :  — 

"  O  Socus  !  son  of  warlike  Hippasus 
The  horseman  !  death  has  overtaken  thee,  545 

And  thou  couldst  not  escape.     Unhappy  one  ! 
Now  thou  art  dead  thy  father  will  not  come 
To  close  thy  eyes,  nor  she,  the  honored  one 
Who  gave  thee  birth  ;  but  birds  of  prey  shall  flap 
Their  heavy  wings  above  thee,  and  shall  tear        550 
Thy  flesh,  while  I  in  dying  shall  receive 
Due  funeral  honors  from  the  noble  Greeks." 

He  spake,  and  from  his  wounded  side  drew  forth, 
And  from  his  bossy  shield,  the  ponderous  spear 
Which  warlike  Socus  threw.     A  gush  of  blood      55. 
Followed,  and  torturing  pain.     Now,  when  they  saw 
Ulysses  bleed,  the  gallant  sons  of  Troy 
Called  to  each  other,  rushing  in  a  crowd 
To  where  he  stood.     Retreating  as  they  came, 
He  shouted  to  his  comrades.     Thrice  he  raised     $<*> 
His  voice  as  loud  as  human  lungs  could  shout ; 
Thrice  warlike  Menelaus  heard  the  cry, 
And  spake  at  once  to  Ajax  at  his  side  :  — 

"  Most  noble  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon, 
Prince  of  thy  people  !  to  my  ear  is  brought  565 

The  cry  of  that  unconquerable  man, 
Ulysses,  seemingly  as  if  the  foe 
Had  hemmed  him  round  alone,  and  pressed  him  sore 
In  combat.     Break  we  through  the  crowd,  and  bring 


296  The  Iliad. 

Succor,  lest  harm  befall  him,  though  so  brave,  —  57* 

Fighting  among  the  Trojans  thus  alone,  — 

And  lest  the  Greeks  should  lose  their  mighty  chief." 

He  spake,  and  led  the  way;  his  godlike  friend 
Followed.     They  found  Ulysses,  dear  to  Jove,  — 
The  Trojans  thronging  round  him  like  a  troop      57; 
Of  ravening  jackals  round  an  antlered  stag 
Which  one  who  hunts  upon  the  mountain-side 
Hath  stricken  with  an  arrow  from  his  bow  : 
By  flight  the  stag  escapes,  while  yet  the  blood 
Is  warm  and  easily  the  limbs  are  moved  ;  5& 

But  when  at  last  the  shaft  hath  quelled  his  strength, 
The  hungry  jackals  in  the  forest-shade 
Among  the  hills  attack  him,  till  by  chance 
The  dreaded  lion  comes ;  alarmed,  they  flee, 
And  he  devours  the  prey.     So  in  that  hour,  58, 

Many  and  brave,  the  sons  of  Troy  pursued 
Ulysses,  skilled  in  war  and  wiles  ;  while  he 
Wielded  the  spear  and  warded  off  the  day 
Of  death.     Then  Ajax,  coming  near  him,  stood, 
With  his  tall  buckler,  like  a  tower  of  strength        5<* 
Beside  him,  and  the  Trojans  fled  in  fear 
On  all  sides.     Warlike  Menelaus  took 
Ulysses  by  the  hand,  and  led  him  forth 
From  the  thronged  spot,  while  his  attendant  brought 
The  chariot  near  him.      Ajax  sprang  upon  595 

The  Trojans,  slaying  Doryclus,  a  son 
Of  Priam   basely  born.     Then  Pandocus 
He  wounded  ;  next  he  struck  Lysander  down, 


Book  XL  297 

Pyrasus  and  Pylartes.     As  a  stream, 

Svvoln  to  a  torrent  by  the  showers  of  Jove.  600 

Sweeps  down,  from  hill  to  plain,  dry  oaks  and  pines, 

And  pours  into  the  sea  a  muddy  flood, 

So  mighty  Ajax  routed  and  pursued 

The  Trojans  o'er  the  plain,  and  cut  his  way 

Through  steeds  and  warriors.    Hector  knew  not  this. 

He  fought  where,  on  the  battle's  left,  beside          606 

The  Xanthus,  fastest  fell  the  slain,  and  round 

Great  Nestor  and  the  brave  Idomeneus 

Arose  a  mighty  tumult.     In  that  throng 

Did  Hector  mingle  with  his  spear  and  steeds,       ew 

Performing  feats  of  valor,  and  laid  waste 

The  ranks  of  youthful  warriors.     Yet  the  Greeks 

Would  not  have  yielded  ground,  if  Paris,  spouse 

Of  fair-haired  Helen,  had  not  forced  the  chief 

Machaon,  fighting  gallantly,  to  pause  ;  615 

For  with  an  arrow  triple-barbed  he  pierced 

The  chiefs  right  shoulder,  and  the  valiant  Greeks 

Feared  lest  the  battle  turn  and  he  be  slain. 

And  thus  Idomeneus  to  Nestor  said:  — 

"  Neleian  Nestor,  glory  of  the  Greeks,  &» 

Haste,  mount  thy  chariot ;  let  Machaon  take 
A  place  beside  thee  ;  urge  thy  firm-paced  steeds 
Rapidly  toward  the  fleet ;  a  leech  like  him, 
Who  cuts  the  arrow  from  the  wound  and  soothes 
The  pain  with  balms,  is  worth  a  host  to  us."          625 

He  spake  ;  and  the  Gerenian  knight  obeyed, 
And  climbed  the  car  in  haste.      Machaon,  son 


298  The  Iliad. 

Of  yEsculapius  the  peerless  leech, 
Mounted  beside  him  ;  Nestor  lashed  the  steeds, 
And  toward  the  roomy  ships,  which  well  they  knew, 
And  longed  to  reach,  they  flew  with  eager  speed. 

Meantime  Cebriones,  who  had  his  seat  n* 

By  Hector  in  the  chariot,  saw  the  ranks 
Of  Troy  disordered,  and  addressed  the  chief:  — 

"  While  we,  O  Hector,  here  are  mid  the  Greeks 
Just  in  the  skirts  of  the  tumultuous  fray,  ^ 

The  other  Trojans,  men  and  steeds,  are  thrown 
Into  confusion  where  the  warriors  throng, 
For  Telamonian  Ajax  puts  their  ranks 
To  rout ;  I  know  him  well  by  that  broad  shield    <M« 
Borne  on  his  shoulders.     Thither  let  us  drive 
Our  steeds  and  chariot,  where  in  desperate  strife 
Meet  horse  and  foot  and  hew  each  other  down, 
And  a  perpetual  clamor  fills  the  air."  ^ 

He  spake  ;  and  with  the  whistling  lash  he  struck 
The  long-maned  steeds,  and,  as  they  felt  the  stroke, 
Forward  they  flew  with  the  swift  car  among 
The  Greeks  and  Trojans,  trampling  in  their  way 
Corpses  and  shields.     The  axle  underneath 
Was  steeped  in  blood  ;  the  rim  of  the  chariot-seat 
Was  foul  with  the  red  drops  which  from  their  hoofs 
The  coursers  sprinkled  and  the  wheels  threw  up. 
Then  Hector  strove,  by  rushing  on  the  crowd, 
To  pierce  it  and  break  through  it.     To  the  Greeks 
His  coming  brought  destruction  and  dismay  ; 
And  well  his  spear  was  wielded.    Through  the  ranks 


Book  XL  299 

Of  other  warriors  with  the  spear  he  ranged, 
With  sword  and  ponderous  stones  ;  yet  warily 
He  shunned  the  fight  with  Ajax  Telamon. 

Then  Father  Jove  Almighty  touched  with  fear  &*> 
The  heart  of  Ajax.     All  amazed  he  stood, 
And  cast  his  sevenfold  buckler  of  bull's-hide 
Upon  his  back,  and,  terrified,  withdrew. 
Now  casting  glances  like  a  beast  of  prey 
From  side  to  side,  he  turned  to  right  and  left,       <*>$ 
And,  slowly  yielding,  moved  knee  after  knee. 
As  when  the  rustics  with  their  hounds  drive  off 
A  hungry  lion  from  their  stalls  of  kine, 
Whom,  watching  all  the  night,  they  suffer  not 
To  make  their  herd  a  prey  ;  but  he,  intent  670 

On  ravin,  rushes  forward,  yet  in  vain  ; 
For  many  a  javelin  flies  from  daring  hands 
Against  him,  many  a  blazing  torch  is  swung, 
At  which,  though  fierce,  he  trembles,  and  at  morn 
Stalks  off  in  sullen  mood  ;  —  so  Ajax,  sad  673 

At  heart,  and  fearing  for  the  Grecian  fleet, 
Unwillingly  fell  back  before  the  foe. 
And  as,  when  entering  in  a  field,  an  ass 
Slow-paced,  whose  flanks  have  broken  many  a  shaft 
To  splinters,  crops  the  harvest  as  it  grows,  sso 

And  boys  attack  him  with  their  rods, — though  small 
Their  strength,  —  but  scarce,  till  he  has  browsed 

his  fill, 

Can  drive  him  forth,  —  so  did  the  gallant  sons 
Of  Troy,  and  their  allies  from  distant  lands, 


3OO  The  Iliad. 

Continually  pursue  the  mighty  son  es? 

Of  Telamon,  and  hurl  their  spears  against 

The  centre  of  his  shield.     And  now  he  wheeled, 

As  conscious  of  great  valor,  and  repulsed 

The  crowding  phalanxes  ;  and  now  again 

He  turned  to  rlee.     And  thus  he  kept  the  foe       690 

From  reaching  the  swift  galleys,  while  he  stood 

Between  the  Greeks  and  Trojans,  terrible 

In  wrath.     The  javelins  hurled  by  daring  hands 

Against  him  —  some  hung  fixed  in  his  broad  shield  ; 

And  many,  ere  they  came  to  his  fair  skin,  595 

Fell  midway, — eager  though  they  were  to  pierce 

The  warrior's  side,  —  and  plunged  into  the  earth. 

Eurypylus,  Evasion's  noble  son, 
Saw  Ajax  sorely  pressed  with  many  darts, 
And  came  and  stood  beside  him,  taking  aim         700 
With  his  bright  spear,  and  in  the  liver  smote, 
Beneath  the  midriff,  Apisaon,  son 
Of  Phausias,  and  a  prince  among  his  tribe. 
His  knees  gave  way,  and  down  he  sank  in  death. 
But  godlike  Alexander,  who  beheld  705 

The  slayer  stripping  Apisaon's  corpse 
Of  armor,  at  that  moment  bent  his  bow, 
And  pierced  Eurypylus  in  the  right  thigh. 
The  reed  brake  in  the  wound.    He  writhed  with  pain, 
A\/d  mingled  with  his  fellows  in  the  ranks,  T° 

Avoiding  death,  yet  shouting  to  the  Greeks  :  — 

"  O  friends,  the  chiefs  and  leaders  of  the  Greeks, 
Rally  and  keep  your  ground  ;  ward  off  the  fate 


Book  XI.  301 

Of  death  from  Ajax,  who  is  sorely  pressed 
With  darts,  and,  much  I  fear,  may  not  escape       715 
Safe  from  this  stormy  conflict.     S^and  ye  firm 
Around  the  mighty  son  of  Telamon." 

So  spake  the  wounded  warrior  ;  while  his  frienu3 
Rallied  around  him,  with  their  shields  inclined 
Against  their  shoulders,  and  with  lifted  spears.      :•* 
And  Ajax  came  and  joined  them  ;  then  he  turned, 
And  firmly  faced  the  foe.     The  Greeks  renewed 
The  combat  with  a  rage  like  that  of  fire. 

Now  meantime  the  Neleian  coursers,  steeped 
In  sweat,  were  bearing  Nestor  and  the  prince        r--, 
Machaon  from  the  battle.     On  the  prow 
Of  his  great  ship,  Achilles,  swift  of  foot, 
Looked  forth,  and,  gazing  on  the  hard-fought  fray 
And  the  sad  rout,  beheld  them.     Then  he  called 
His  friend  Patroclus,  shouting  from  the  ship.         73° 
Patroclus  heard,  within  the  tent,  and  came, 
Glorious  as  Mars  ;  —  yet  with  that  day  began 
His  woes.     The  gallant  Mencetiades 
Made  answer  thus  :  "  Why  callest  thou  my  name, 
Achilles,  and  what  needest  thou  of  me  ?"  735 

And  thus  rejoined  Achilles,  swift  of  foot  :  — 
"  Son  of  Mencetius,  nobly  born,  and  well 
Beloved  by  me,  the  Greeks,  I  deem,  will  soon 
Be  at  my  knees,  imploring  aid  ;  for  now 
A  hard  necessity  besets  their  host.  740 

But  go,  Patroclus,  dear  to  Jove,  and  ask 
Of  Nestor  who  ft  is  that  he  hath  brought 


3O2  The  Iliad. 

Thus  wounded  from  the  field.     Seen  from  behind, 
His  form  was  like  Machaon,  —  wholly  like 
That  son  of  ^Esculapius  ;  but  the  face  745 

I  saw  not,  as  the  rapid  steeds  flew  by." 

He  spake.     Patroclus  hearkened  to  his  friend, 
And  hastened  to  the  Grecian  tents  and  ships. 

Now  when  they  reached  the  tent  of  Neleus'  son, 
The  warriors  in  the  chariot  set  their  feet        .        750 
Upon  the  nourishing  earth.     Eurymedon, 
The  old  man's  charioteer,  took  from  the  mares 
Their  harness ;  while  the  chieftains  cooled  themselves, 
And  dried  their  sweaty  garments  in  the  breeze, 
Facing  the  border  of  the  sea,  and  then,  755 

Entering  the  tent  of  Nestor,  sat  them  down 
On  couches.     Hecamede,  bright  of  hair, 
Prepared  for  them  a  mingled  draught ;  the  maid, 
A  daughter  of  the  great  Arsinoiis,  came 
From  Tenedos  with  Nestor,  when  the  town  760 

Was  ravaged  by  Achilles,  and  the  Greeks 
Gave  her  to  Nestor,  chosen  from  the  rest 
For  him,  as  wisest  of  their  counsellors. 
First  she  drew  forth  a  table  fairly  wrought, 
Of  polished  surface,  and  with  steel-blue  feet,         765 
And  on  it  placed  a  brazen  tray  which  bore 
A  thirst-provoking  onion,  honeycomb, 
And  sacred  meal  of  wheat.     Near  these  she  set 
A  noble  beaker  which  the  ancient  chief 
Had  brought  from  home,  embossed  with  studs  of 
gold.  770 


Book  XL  303 

Four  were  its  handles,  and  each  handle  showed 
Two  golden  turtles  feeding,  while  below 
Two  others  formed  the  base.     Another  hand 
Could  scarce  have  raised  that  beaker  from  its  place, 
But  Nestor  lifted  it  with  ease.     The  maid,  775 

Fair  as  a  goddess,  mingled  Pramnian  wine, 
And  grated  o'er  it,  with  a  rasp  of  brass, 
A  goat's-milk  cheese,  and,  sprinkling  the  white  flour 
Upon  it,  bade  them  drink.    With  this  they  quenched 
Their  parching  thirst,  and  then  amused  the  time  ?&> 
With  pleasant  talk.     Patroclus  to  the  door 
Meantime,  a  godlike  presence,  came,  and  stood. 
The  old  man,  as  he  saw  him,  instantly 
Rose  from  his  princely  seat  and  seized  his  hand, 
And  led  him  in  and  bade  him  sit ;  but  he  785 

Refused  the  proffered  courtesy,  and  said :  — 

"  Nay,  't  is  no  time  to  sit  :  persuade  me  not, 
Nursling  of  Jove  ;  for  he  is  to  be  feared, 
And  prone  to  wrath,  who  sent  me  to  inquire 
What  wounded  man  is  with  thee  ;  but  I  know,  —  790 
Now  that  I  see  Machaon  sitting  here, 
The  shepherd  of  the  people.     I  must  haste 
Back  to  Achilles,  bearing  my  report. 
Thou  knowest,  ancient  chief,  how  quick  he  is 
To  take  offence  and  blame  the  innocent."  795 

Then  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight,  rejoined  :  — 
"  Why  does  Achilles  pity  thus  the  sons 
Of  Greece  when  wounded  ?     Little  can  he  know 
What  sorrow  reigns  throughout  the  Grecian  host 


304  The  Iliad. 

While,  smitten  in  the  close  or  distant  figb1, 

Our  bravest  lie  disabled  in  their  ships. 

The  valiant  son  of  Tycleus  —  Diomed  — 

Is  wounded  —  wounded  Agamemnon  lies, 

And  the  great  wielder  of  the  javelin, 

Ulysses.     By  an  arrow  in  the  thigh  805 

Eurypylus  is  smitten,  and  I  now 

Bring  home  this  warrior  with  an  arrow-wound. 

Yet  doth  Achilles,  valiant  as  he  is, 

Care  nothing  for  the  Greeks.     Will  he  then  wait 

Till  our  swift  galleys,  moored  upon  the  shore,       SID 

After  a  vain  defence  shall  feed  the  flames 

Lit  by  the  enemy's  hand,  and  we  be  slain, 

And  perish,  heaps  on  heaps  ?     My  strength  is  now 

Not  that  which  dwelt  in  these  once  active  limbs. 

Would  I  were  strong  and  vigorous  as  of  yore,        si5 

When  strife  arose  between  our  men  and  those 

Of  Elis  for  our  oxen  driven  away, 

And,  driving  off  their  beeves  in  turn,  I  slew 

The  Elean  chief,  the  brave  Itymoneus, 

Son  of  Hypirochus  !     For,  as  he  sought  820 

To  save  his  herd,  a  javelin  from  my  arm 

Smote  him  the  first  among  his  band.     He  fell ; 

His  rustic  followers  fled  on  every  side  ; 

And  mighty  was  the  spoil  we  took  :  of  beeves 

We  drave  off  fifty  herds,  as  many  flocks 

Of  sheep,  of  swine  as  many,  and  of  goats 

An  equal  number,  and  of  yellow  steeds 

Thrice  fifty  ;  —  these  were  mares,  and  by  their  sides 


Book  XL  305 

Ran  many  a  colt.     We  drave  them  all  within 

Neleian  Pylos  in  the  night.     Well  pleased  s3« 

Was  Neleus,  that  so  large  a  booty  fell 

To  me,  who  entered  on  the  war  so  young. 

When  morning  brake,  the  heralds'  cry  was  heard 

Summoning  all  the  citizens  to  meet 

To  whom  from  fruitful  Elis  debts  were  due  ;          s& 

And  then  the  princes  of  the  Pyleans  came, 

And  made  division  of  the  spoil.     For  much 

The  Epeians  owed  us  :  we  were  yet  but  few 

In  Pylos,  and  had  suffered  grievously. 

The  mighty  Hercules  in  former  years  84» 

Had  made  us  feel  his  wrath,  and  of  our  men 

Had  slain  the  bravest  :  of  the  twelve  who  drew 

Their  birth  from  Neleus,  I  alone  am  left ; 

The  others  fell.     The  Epeians  brazen-mailed 

Saw  this,  delighted,  and  insulted  us  ** 

And  did  us  wrong.     When  now  the  spoil  was  shared 

The  old  man  for  himself  reserved  a  herd 

Of  oxen,  and  a  numerous  flock  of  sheep,  — 

Three  hundred,  with  their  shepherds,  — for  to  him 

Large  debts  were  due  in  Elis.     He  had  sent         s5o 

Four  horses  once,  of  peerless  speed,  with  cars, 

To  win  a  tripod,  the  appointed  prize. 

Augeias,  king  of  men,  detained  them  there, 

And  sent  the  grieving  charioteer  away. 

My  father,  angered  at  the  monarch's  words  sss 

And  acts,  took  large  amends,  and  gave  the  rest 

To  share  among  the  people,  that  no  one 

T 


306  The  Iliad. 

Might  leave  the  ground,  defrauded  of  his  right. 
All  this  was  justly  done,  and  we  performed 
Due  sacrifices  to  the  gods,  throughout  seo 

The  city  ;  —  when  the  third  day  came,  and  brought 
The  Epeians  all  at  once,  in  all  their  strength,  — 
Both  men  on  foot  and  prancing  steeds.     With  these 
Came  the  Molions  twain,  well  armed,  though  young 
And  yet  untrained  to  war.     There  is  a  town          8&3 
Named  Thryoessa,  on  a  lofty  hill 
Far  off  beside  Alpheius,  on  the  edge 
Of  sandy  Pylos.     They  beleaguered  this, 
And  sought  to  overthrow  it.     As  they  crossed 
The  plain,  Minerva  came,  a  messenger,  87o 

By  night  from  Mount  Olympus,  bidding  us 
Put  on  our  armor.     Not  unwillingly 
The  Pyleans  mustered,  but  in  eager  haste 
For  battle.     Yet  did  Neleus  not  consent 
That  I  should  arm  myself,  —  he  hid  my  steeds  ;  875 
For  still  he  deemed  me  inexpert  in  war. 
Yet  even  then,  although  I  fought  on  foot, 
I  won  great  honor  even  among  the  knights  ; 
For  so  had  Pallas  favored  me.     A  stream 
Named  Minyeius  pours  into  the  sea  ss* 

Near  to  Arena,  where  the  Pylean  knights 
Waited  the  coming  of  the  holy  morn, 
While  those  who  fought  on  foot  came  thronging  in. 
Thence,  with  our  host  complete,  and  all  in  arms, 
We   marched,    and    reached   at   noon    the  sacred 
stream  saj 


Book  XL  307 

Alpheius,  where  to  Jove  Omnipotent 

We  offered  chosen  victims,  and  a  bull 

To  the  river-god,  another  to  the  god 

Of  ocean,  and  a  heifer  yet  unbroke 

To  blue-eyed  Pallas.     Then  we  banqueted,  890 

In  bands,  throughout  the  army,  and  lay  down 

In  armor  by  the  river-side  to  sleep. 

Meantime  the  brave  Epeians  stood  around 

The  city,  resolute  to  lay  it  waste. 

But  first  was  to  be  done  a  mighty  work  893 

Of  war  ;  for  as  the  glorious  sun  appeared 

Above  the  earth  we  dashed  against  the  foe, 

Praying  to  Jove  and  Pallas.     When  the  fight 

Between  the  Eleans  and  the  Pylean  host 

Was  just  begun,  I  slew  a  youthful  chief,  —  900 

Mulius,  —  and  bore  away  his  firm-paced  steeds. 

The  fair-haired  Agamede,  eldest-born 

Of  King  Augeias'  daughters,  was  his  spouse  ; 

And  well  to  her  each  healing  herb  was  known 

That  springs  from  the  great  earth.     As  he  drew  near, 

I  smote  him  with  my  brazen  lance  :  he  fell  906 

To  earth :  I  sprang  into  his  car,  and  stood 

Among  the  foremost  warriors  ;  while,  around, 

The  brave  Epeians,  as  they  saw  him  fall,  — 

The  leader  of  their  knights,  their  mightiest  910 

In  battle,  —  turned  and,  panic-stricken,  fled, 

Each  his  own  way.     I  followed  on  their  flight 

Like  a  black  tempest ;  fifty  cars  I  took, 

And  from  each  car  I  dashed  two  warriors  down, 


308  The  Iliad. 

Pierced  by  my  spear.     And  now  I  should  have  slain 
The  young  Molions  also,  Actor's  sons,  9«& 

Had  not  their  father,  he  who  shakes  the  earth, 
Enshrouded  them  in  mist,  and  hidden  them 
From  all  pursuit.     Then  with  victorious  might 
Did  Jove  endue  our  arms,  while  we  pursued          9=0 
The  foe  across  a  region  strewn  with  shields,  — 
Slaying,  and  gathering  spoil,  —  until  our  steeds 
Came  to  Buprasium,  rich  in  fields  of  wheat, 
And  to  the  Olenian  rock,  and  to  the  hill 
Alesium  in  Colone.     Pallas  there  925 

Stayed  our  pursuit,  and  bade  our  host  return. 
There  slew  I  the  last  man,  and  left  him  there. 
And  then  the  Achaians,  guiding  their  swift  steeds 
Homeward  to  Pylos  from  Buprasium,  gave 
Great  thanks  to  Jupiter  among  the  gods,  930 

And  Nestor  among  men.     Such  was  I  then 
Among  the  heroes  ;  but  Achilles  keeps 
His  valor  for  himself  alone,  —  and  yet 
Bitterly  must  he  grieve  when  he  beholds 
Our  people  perish.     O  my  friend  L  how  well         935 
Mencetius  charged  thee  when  he  sent  thee  forth, 
From  Phthia,  to  Atrides  !     We  were  both  — 
The  nobly  born  Ulysses  and  myself  — 
Within  the  palace,  and  we  clearly  heard 
What  he  commanded  thee.     For  we  had  come      o* 
To  Peleus'  stately  dwelling,  on  our  way 
Gathering  a  host  in  fertile  Greece,  and  saw 
The  great  Mencetius  there,  and  there  we  found 


Book  XL  309 

Achilles  with  thee.     There  the  aged  knight 

Peleus  was  burning,  in  the  palace-court,  945 

A  steer's  fat  thighs  to  Jove  the  Thunderer, 

And  lifted  up  a  golden  cup  and  poured 

Dark  wine  upon  the  blazing  sacrifice. 

And  both  of  you  were  busy  with  the  flesh 

When  we  were  at  the  threshold.     As  he  saw         950 

Our  coming,  in  surprise  Achilles  sprang 

Toward  us,  and  took  our  hands  and  led  us  in, 

Bade  us  be  seated,  and  before  us  placed 

The  generous  banquet  due  to  stranger-guests. 

Then,  having  feasted,  I  began  discourse,  955 

Exhorting  you  to  join  us.     Both  of  you 

At  once  consented,  and  your  fathers  gave 

Their  admonitions.     Aged  Peleus  charged 

His  son  Achilles  to  excel  the  rest 

In  valor,  while  Menoetius,  in  his  turn,  960 

The  son  of  Actor,  gave  thee  this  command  :  — 

"  '  My  son,  Achilles  is  the  nobler  born, 
But  thou  art  elder.     He  surpasses  thee 
By  far  in  warlike  might,  but  thou  must  prompt 
His  mind  with  prudent  counsels  ;  thou  must  warn  965 
And  guide  him  ;  he  will  hearken  to  thy  words 
Meant  for  his  good.'     The  old  man  charged  thee 

thus. 

Thou  hast  forgotten  it.     Yet  speak  thou  now 
To  Peleus'  warlike  son  ;  and  haply  he 
May  heed  thy  counsels.     Thou  perchance  mayst 

bend  970 


3IO  The  Iliad. 

His  will  —  who  knows  ?  —  by  thy  persuasive  words 
For  wholesome  are  the  warnings  of  a  friend. 
Yet,  if  he  shrink  from  some  predicted  doom, 
Or  if  his  goddess-mother  have  revealed 
\ught  of  Jove's  counsels  to  him,  then,  at  least      975 
Let  him  send  thee  to  war,  and  let  his  troop 
Of  Myrmidons  go  with  thee,  so  that  thou 
Mayst  carry  succor  to  the  Greeks.     Yet  more,  — 
Let  him  permit  thee  in  the  field  to  wear 
His  glorious  armor,  that  the  Trojan  host,  980 

Beholding  thee  so  like  to  him,,  may  shun 
The  combat,  and  the  warlike  sons  of  Greece, 
Hard-pressed,  may  breathe  again,  and  find  at  length 
A  respite  from  the  conflict.     Ye,  who  still 
Are  fresh  and  vigorous,  shall  assault  and  drive     985 
Town  ward  the  weary  foe  from  camp  and  fleet." 
He  spake.     The  spirit  of  the  youth  took  fire, 
And  instantly  he  hastened  toward  the  ships 
Of  Peleus'  son.     But  when  he  came  where  lay 
The  galleys  of  Ulysses  the  divine,  990 

Where  was  the  assembly-place  and  judgment-seat, 
And  where  the  altars  of  the  immortals  stood, 
Ev£emon's  noble  son,  PXirypylus, 
Met  him  as  from  the  battle-field  he  came 
Halting,  and  with  an  arrow  in  his  thigh.  99) 

The  sweat  ran  down  his  shoulders  and  his  brow, 
And  the  black  blood  was  oozing  from  his  wound, 
Yet  was  his  spirit  untamed.     The  gallant  youth, 
Son  of  Mencetius,  saw  with  grief,  and  said  :  — 


Book  XL  311 

"  Unhappy  chiefs  and  princes  of  the  Greeks  !  ««» 
Are  ye  then  doomed  to  feast  with  your  fair  limbs 
The  famished  dogs  of  Ilium,  far  away 
From  friends  and  country?    Tell  me,  child  of  Jove, 
Gallant  Eurypylus,  will  yet  the  Greeks 
Withstand  the  mighty  Hector,  or  give  way  1005 

And  perish,  overtaken  by  his  spear?" 

And  thus  the  wise  Eurypylus  replied  :  — 
"  Nursling  of  Jove,  Patroclus  !  for  the  Greeks 
There  is  no  help,  and  all  at  their  black  ships 
Must  perish ;  for  within  them  even  now  imo 

All  those  who  were  our  bravest  warriors  lie, 
Wounded  in  close  encounter,  or  from  far, 
By  Trojan  hands,  whose  strength  with  every  hour 
Becomes  more  terrible.     Give  now  thine  aid 
And  take  me  to  my  ship,  and  cut  away  1015 

The  arrow  from  my  thigh,  and  from  the  part 
Cleanse  with  warm  water  the  dark  blood,  and  shed 
Soothing  and  healing  balms  upon  the  wound, 
As  taught  thee  by  Achilles,  who  had  learned 
The  art  from  Chiron,  righteous  in  his  day  I<MO 

Beyond  all  other  Centaurs.     Now  the  leech 
Machaon  lies,  I  think,  among  the  tents, 
>/ounded,  and  needs  the  aid  of  others'  skill, 
And  Podalirius  out  upon  the  plain 
Helps  stem  the  onset  of  the  Trojan  host."  1025 

Then  spak'e  the  valiant  Mencetiades  :  — 
"O  brave  Eurypylus  !  what  yet  will  be 
The  end  of  this,  and  what  are  we  to  do  ? 


312  The  Iliad. 

Even  now  I  bear  a  message  on  my  way 

From  reverend  Nestor,  guardian  of  the  Greeks,  10.10 

To  the  great  warrior,  Peleus'  son  ;  and  yet 

I  must  not  leave  thee  in  thine  hour  of  need." 

He  spake  ;  and,  lifting  in  his  arms  the  prince, 
He  bore  him  to  his  tent.     A  servant  spread, 
Upon  his  entering,  hides  to  form  a  couch  ;  .035 

And  there  Patroclus  laid  him  down  and  cut 
The  rankling  arrow  from  his  thigh,  and  shed 
Warm  water  on  the  wound  to  cleanse  away 
The  purple  blood,  and  last  applied  a  root 
Of  bitter  flavor  to  assuage  the  smart,  1040 

Bruising  it  first  within  his  palms  :  the  pangs 
Ceased  ;  the  wound  dried  ;  the  blood   no  longer 
flowed. 


BOOK    XII. 

'  I "'HUS  in  the  camp  Menoetius'  valiant  son 

JL     Tended  Eurypylus,  and  dressed  his  wounds  ; 
While  yet  in  mingled  throngs  the  warriors  fought,  — 
Trojans  and  Greeks.     Nor  longer  was  the  trench 
A  barrier  for  the  Greeks,  nor  the  broad  wall 
WThich  they  had  built  above  it  to  defend 
Their  fleet;  for  all  around  it  they  had  drawn 
The  trench,  yet  not  with  chosen  hecatombs 
Paid  to  the  gods,  that  so  it  might  protect 


Book  XH.  313 

The  galleys  and  the  heaps  of  spoil  they  held.         «o 
Without  the  favor  of  the  gods  it  rose, 
And  therefore  was  not  long  to  stand  entire. 
As  long  as  Hector  lived,  and  Peleus'  son 
Was  angered,  and  King  Priam's  city  yet 
Was  not  o'erthrown,  so  long  the  massive  wall         15 
Built  by  the  Greeks  stood  firm.     But  when  at  length 
The  bravest  of  the  Trojans  had  been  slain, 
And  many  of  the  Greeks  were  dead,  —  though  still 
Others  survived,  —  and  when  in  the  tenth  year 
The  city  of  Priam  fell,  and  in  their  ships 
The  Greeks  went  back  to  their  beloved  land, 
Then  did  Apollo  and  the  god  of  sea 
Consult  together  to  destroy  the  wall 
By  turning  on  it  the  resistless  might 
Of  rivers,  all  that  from  the  Idsean  heights  >s 

Flow  to  the  ocean,  —  Rhesus,  Granicus, 
Heptaporus,  Caresus,  Rhodius,* 
^sepus,  and  Scamander's  hallowed  stream, 
And  Simoi's,  in  whose  bed  lay  many  shields 
And  helms  and  bodies  of  slain  demigods.  y 

Phoebus  Apollo  turned  the  mouths  of  these 
All  toward  one  spot ;  nine  days  against  the  wall 
He  bade  their  currents  rush,  while  Jupiter 
Poured  constant  rain,  that  floods  might  overwhelm 
The  rampart ;  and  the  god  who  shakes  the  earth,  ss 
Wielding  his  trident,  led  the  rivers  on. 
He  flung  among  the  billows  the  huge  beams 
And  stones  which,  with  hard  toil,  the  Greeks  had  laid 
VOL.  i-  14 


3 1 4  The  Iliad. 

For  the  foundations.     Thus  he  levelled  all 

Beside  the  hurrying  Hellespont,  destroyed  w 

The  bulwarks  utterly,  and  overspread 

The  long  broad  shore  with  sand  ;    and  then    he 

brought 

Again  the  rivers  to  the  ancient  beds 
In  which  their  gently  flowing  waters  ran. 

This  yet  was  to  be  done  in  time  to  come  45 

By  Neptune  and  Apollo.     Meanwhile  raged 
Battle  and  tumult  round  that  strong-built  wall. 
The  towers  in  all  their  timbers  rang  with  blows  ; 
And,  driven  as  by  the  scourge  of  Jove,  the  Greeks, 
Hemmed  closely  in  beside  their  roomy  ships,         s° 
Trembled  at  Hector,  the  great  scatterer 
Of  squadrons,  fighting,  as  he  did  before, 
With  all  a  whirlwind's  might.     As  when  a  boar 
Or  lion  mid  the  hounds  and  huntsmen  stands, 
Fearfully  strong,  ana  fierce  of  eye,  and  they  ss 

In  square  array  assault  him,  and  their  hands 
Fling  many  a  javelin  ;  —  yet  his  noble  heart 
Fears  not,  nor  does  he  fly,  although  at  last 
His  courage  cause  his  death  ;  and  oft  he  turns, 
And  tries  their  ranks  ;  and  where  he  makes  a  rush 
The    ranks    give   way  ;  —  so    Hector   moved    and 

turned  «« 

Among  the  crowd,  and  bade  his  followers  cross 
The  trench.     The  swift-paced  horses  ventured  not 
The  leap,  but  stood  upon  the  edge  and  neighed 
Aloud,  for  the  wide  space  affrighted  them  ;  ^ 


Book  XII.  315 

And  hard  it  was  to  spring  across,  or  pass 
From  side  to  side,  for  on  each  side  the  brink 
Was  steep,  and  bristled  with  sharp  stakes,  close  set 
And  strong,  which  there  the  warrior  sons  of  Greece 
Had  planted,  a  defence  against  the  foe.  70 

No  steed  that  whirled  the  rapid  car  along 
Could  enter,  but  the  soldiery  on  foot 
Eagerly  sought  to  pass,  and  in  these  words 
Polydamas  to  daring  Hector  spake  :  — 

"  Hector,  and  ye  who  lead  the  troops  of  Troy    T-, 
And  our  auxiliars  !  rashly  do  we  seek 
To  urge  our  rapid  steeds  across  the  trench 
So  hard  to  pass,  beset  with  pointed  stakes,  — 
And  the  Greek  wall  so  near.     The  troops  of  horse 
Cannot  descend  nor  combat  there  :  the  space        80 
Is  narrow  :  they  would  all  be  slain.      If  Jove, 
The  Thunderer  of  the  skies,  design  to  crush 
The  Greeks  and  succor  Troy,  I  should  rejoice 
Were  the  design  at  once  fulfilled,  and  all 
The  sons  of  Greece  ingloriously  cut  off,  BS 

Far  from  their  Argos.     But  if  they  should  turn 
Upon  us,  and  repulse  us  from  their  fleet, 
And  we  become  entangled  in  the  trench, 
I  deem  no  messenger  would  e'er  go  back 
To  Troy  from  fighting  with  the  rallied  Greeks.       <*> 
Heed,  then,  my  words,  and  let  the  charioteers 
Stay  with  the  coursers  at  the  trench,  while  we, 
Armed,  and  on  foot,  and  all  in  close  array, 
Follow  our  Hector.     For  the  Greeks  in  vain 


316  The  Iliad. 

Will  strive  to  stem  our  onset  if,  in  truth,  »s 

The  hour  of  their  destruction  be  at  hand." 

So  spake  Polydamas  ;  and  Hector,  pleased 
To  hear  the  prudent  counsel,  leaped  to  earth 
With  all  his  arms,  and  left  his  car.     The  rest 
Rode  with  their  steeds  no  more,  but,  hastily          •<*> 
Dismounting,  as  they  saw  their  noble  chief, 
Each  bade  his  charioteer  hold  back  his  steeds, 
Reined  at  the  trench,  in  ranks.     And  then,  apart, 
They  mustered  in  five  columns,  following  close 
Their  leaders.     First,  the  largest,  bravest  band,    -05 
Those  who,  with  resolute  daring,  longed  to  break 
The  rampart  and  to  storm  the  fleet,  were  led 
By  Hector  and  the  good  Polydamas, 
Joined  with  Cebriones,  —  for  Hector  left 
His  chariot  to  the  care  of  one  who  held  »» 

An  humbler  station  than  Cebriones. 
Paris,  Alcathoiis,  and  Agenor  led 
A  second  squadron.     Helenus,  a  son 
Of  Priam,  and  Dei'phobus,  a  youth 
Of  godlike  form,  his  brother,  took  command         »s 
Of  yet  a  third,  —  with  whom  in  rank  was  joined 
The  hero  Asms,  son  of  Hyrtacus, 
Whose  bright-haired  coursers,  of  majestic  size, 
Had  borne  him  from  Arisba  and  the  banks 
Of  Selleis.     yEneas  led  the  fourth,  —  ««• 

The  brave  son  of  Anchises  ;  and  with  him 
Were  joined  Archilochus  and  Acamas, 
Sons  of  Antenor,  skilled  in  arts  of  war. 


Book  XII.  317 

The  band  of  Troy's  illustrious  allies 

Followed  Sarpedon,  who  from  all  the  rest  \K, 

Had  chosen,  to  partake  in  the  command, 

Glaucus  and  brave  Asteropaeus.     These 

He  deemed  the  bravest  under  him  ;  yet  he 

Stood  foremost  of  them  all  in  warlike  might. 

Then  all,  with  their  stout  bucklers  of  bull's-hide 
Adjusted  to  each  other,  bravely  marched  13- 

Against  the  Greeks,  who,  as  they  deemed,  must  fly 
Before  them,  and  must  fall  by  their  black  ships. 
Then  all  the  other  Trojans,  and  the  allies 
From  foreign  shores,  obeyed  the  counsel  given     ns 
By  good  Polydamas  ;  but  Asius,  son 
Of  Hyrtacus,  and  prince  of  men,  chose  not 
To  leave  his  chariot  and  his  charioteer, 
But  drave  with  them  against  the  roomy  ships. 
Vain  youth  !  —  he  was  not  destined  to  return,       MO 
Borne  by  his  steeds  and  chariot,  from  the  fleet, 
And  from  the  fate  he  braved,  to  wind-swept  Troy. 
His  evil  fate  o'ertook  him  from  the  spear 
Of  great  Idomeneus,  Deucalion's  son  ; 
Por  toward  the  galleys  moored  upon  the  left          •« 
fie  hastened  by  the  way  in  which  the  Greeks, 
With  steeds  and  cars,  retreated  from  the  plain. 
Thither  he  drave  his  coursers  ;  there  he  found 
The  gates  not  closed,  nor  the  long  bar  across, 
But  warriors  held  them  open  to  receive  130 

In  safety  their  companions  as  they  fled 
From  battle  to  the  fleet.     Exultingly 


318  The  Iliad, 

He  turned  his  coursers  thither,  and  his  men 

Followed  him,  shouting ;  for  they  thought  the  Greeks 

Could  not  abide  their  onset,  but  must  yield, 

And  perish  by  their  ships.     Deluded  men  !  — 

They  met  two  mighty  warriors  at  the  gate.  — 

The  brave  descendants  of  the  Lapithae, 

That  warlike  tribe  :  Pirithoiis'  gallant  son 

Was  one,  named  Polypcetes  ;  with  him  stood         -60 

Leonteus,  strong  as  Mars  the  slayer  of  men. 

By  the  tall  gates  they  stood,  as  giant  oaks 

Stand  on  the  mountains  and  abide  the  wind 

And  the  tempestuous  rains  of  all  the  year, 

Firm-planted  on  their  strong  and  spreading  roots.   165 

So  they,  confiding  in  their  strength  of  arm, 

Waited  for  mighty  Asius  hasting  on, 

And  fled  not.     Onward  came  the  hostile  troop, 

With  their  tough  shields  uplifted,  and  with  shouts  : 

All  rushing  toward  the  massive  wall  they  came,     170 

Following  King  Asius,  and  lamenus 

Orestes,  Thoon,  Acamas  the  son 

Of  Asius,  and  CEnoinaiis.     Meanwhile 

Leonteus  and  his  comrade  had  retired 

Within,  encouraging  the  well-armed  Greeks  175 

To  combat  for  the  fleet ;  but  when  they  saw 

The  rout  and  panic  of  their  flying  host, 

They  darted  forth  and  fought  before  the  gates.  — 

Fought  like  wild  boars  that  in  the  mountains  meet 

A  clamorous  troop  of  men  and  dogs,  and  dart       >* 

Sideway  at  their  assailants,  break  the  trees 


Book  XII.  319 

Close  to  the  root,  and  fiercely  gnash  their  tusks, 
Until  some  javelin  strikes  them,  and  they  die. 
So  on  the  breasts  of  the  two  warriors  rang 
The  shining  brass,  oft  smitten  ;  for  they  fought     iss 
Fearlessly,  trusting  in  the  aid  of  those 
Who  held  the  wall,  and  their  own  valiant  arms. 
And  they  who  stood  on  the  strong  towers  hurled  down 
Stones,  to  defend  the  Achaians  and  their  tents 
And  then  swift  ships.    As  snow-flakes  fall  to  earth  .90 
When  strong  winds,  driving  on  the  shadowy  cloud, 
Shower  them  upon  the  nourishing  glebe,  so  thick 
Were   showered   the   weapons  from   the  hands  of 

Greeks 

And  Trojans  ;  and  the  helms  and  bossy  shields, 
Beaten  by  stones,  resounded.     Asius  then  -         195 
The  son  of  Hyrtacus  —  in  anger  groaned, 
And  smote  his  thighs  impatiently,  and  said  :  — 

''  O  Father  Jove  !  thou  then  art  wholly  false. 
I  did  not  look  to  see  the  men  of  Greece 
Stand  thus  before  our  might  and  our  strong  arms  ;  200 
Yet  they,  like  pliant-bodied  wasps  or  bees, 
That  build  their  cells  beside  the  rocky  way, 
And  quit  not  their  abode,  but,  waiting  there 
The  hunter,  combat  for  their  young  —  so  these, 
Although  but  two,  withdraw  not  from  the  gates,    ?°5 
Nor  will,  till  they  be  slain  01  seized  alive." 

He  spake  ;  but  moved  not  thus  the  will  of  Jove, 
Who  planned  to  give  the  glory  of  the  day 
To  Hector.     Meanwhile,  at  the  other  gates 


320  The  Iliad. 

Fought  other  warriors,  —  but  't  were  hard  for  me,  ^o 
Were  I  a  god,  to  tell  of  all  their  deeds  ; 
For  round  the  wall  on  every  side  there  raged, 
Fierce  as  consuming  fire,  a  storm  of  stones. 
The  Greeks,  in  bitter  anguish,  yet  constrained, 
Fought  for  their  fleet ;  and  sorrowful  were  all       215 
The  gods  who  in  the  battle  favored  Greece. 

Now  the  two  Lapithas  began  the  fight. 
Pirithoiis'  son,  brave  Polypcetes,  cast 
His  spear  at  Dama'sus  ;  it  broke  its  way 
Through  the  helm's  brazen  cheek,  —  nor  that  alone  : 
Right  through  the  temple  went  the  brazen  blade,  «i 
And  crushed  the  brain  within.     He  left  him  slain, 
And  next  struck  Pylon  down,  and  Ormenus. 
Leonteus,  of  the  stock  of  Mars,  assailed 
Hippomachus,  who  from  Antimachus  «5 

Derived  his  birth ;  he  pierced  him  at  the  belt, 
And,  drawing  forth  his  trenchant  sword,  hewed  down, 
In  combat  hand-to-hand,  Antiphates  ; 
He  dashed  him  backward  to  the  ground,  and  next 
Smote  Menon  and  lamenus  ;  and  last  =3<- 

He  slew  Orestes:  at  his  feet  they  lay, 
A  pile  of  dead,  upon  their  mother  Earth. 

Then,  as  the  twain  were  stripping  from  the  dead 
Their  glittering  arms,  the  largest,  bravest  band 
Of  those  who  eagerly  desired  to  break  235 

The  rampart  and  to  burn  the  ships  with  fire, 
Following  Polydamas  and  Hector,  stood 
Consulting  at  the  trench.     An  augury, 


Book  XI L  321 

Just  as  they  were  in  act  to  cross,  appeared 

Upon  the  left :  an  eagle  high  in  air,  240 

Between  the  armies,  in  his  talons  bore 

A  monstrous  serpent,  bleeding,  yet  alive 

And  palpitating,  —  nor  disabled  yet 

For  combat ;  for  it  turned,  and  on  the  breast 

Wounded  the  eagle,  near  the  neck.     The  bird      243 

In  pain  let  fall  his  prize  amid  the  host, 

And  flew  away,  with  screams,  upon  the  wind. 

The  Trojans  shuddered  at  the  spotted  snake 

Lying  among  them,  and  Polydamas 

Said  thus  to  fearless  Hector,  standing  near :  —    =5° 

"  Hector,  thou  almost  ever  chidest  me 
In  council,  even  when  I  judge  aright. 
I  know  it  ill  becomes  the  citizen 
To  speak  against  the  way  that  pleases  thee, 
In  war  or  council,  —  he  should  rather  seek  255 

To  strengthen  thy  authority ;  yet  now 
I  will  declare  what  seems  to  me  the  best : 
Let  us  not  combat  with  the  Greeks,  to  take 
Their  fleet  ;  for  this,  I  think,  will  be  the  end,  — 
If  now  the  omen  we  have  seen  be  meant  260 

For  us  of  Troy  who  seek  to  cross  the  trench  ;  — 
This  eagle,  flying  high  upon  the  left, 
Between  the  hosts,  that  in  his  talons  bore 
A  monstrous  serpent,  bleeding,  yet  alive, 
Hath  dropped  it  mid  our  host  before  he  came       265 
To  his  dear  nest,  nor  brought  it  to  his  brood  ;  — 
So  we,  although  by  force  we  break  the  gates 
14*  u 


322  The  Iliad. 

And  rampart,  and  although  the  Greeks  fall  back, 

Shall  not  as  happily  retrace  our  way ; 

For  many  a  Trojan  shall  we  leave  behind,  *?• 

Slain  by  the  weapons  of  the  Greeks,  who  stand 

And  fight  to  save  their  fleet.     Thus  will  the  seer, 

Skilled  in  the  lore  of  prodigies,  explain 

The  portent,  and  the  people  will  obey." 

Sternly  the  crested  Hector  looked,  and  spake:  — 
"  Polydamas,  the  thing  that  thou  hast  said  =?* 

Pleases  me  not,  and  easily  couldst  thou 
Frame  better  counsels.     If  thy  words  convey 
Thy  earnest  thought,  the  gods  assuredly 
Have  made  thee  lose  thy  senses.     Thou  dost  ask 
That  I  no  longer  reverence  the  decree  281 

Of  Jove,  the  Thunderer  of  the  sky,  who  gave 
His  promise,  and  confirmed  it.     Thou  dost  ask 
That  I  be  governed  by  the  flight  of  birds, 
Which  I  regard  not,  whether  to  the  right 
And  toward  the  morning  and  the  sun  they  fly, 
Or  toward  the  left  and  evening.     We  should  heed 
The  will  of  mighty  Jupiter,  who  bears 
Rule  over  gods  and  men.     One  augury 
There  is,  the  surest  and  the  best,  —  to  fight          ^ 
For  our  own  land.     Why  dreadest  thou  the  war 
And  conflict  ?     Though  we  all  should  fall  beside 
The  galleys  of  the  Greeks,  there  is  no  fear 
That  thou  wilt  perish,  for  thou  hast  no  heart 
To  stand  against  the  foe  ; —  no  warrior  thou  !       »» 
Yet,  if  thou  dare  to  stand  aloof,  or  seek 


Book  XII.  323 

13y  words  to  turn  another  from  the  fight, 
The  spear  I  wield  shall  take  thy  life  at  once." 

He  spake,  and  went  before  ;  and  all  his  band 
Followed  with  fearful  clamor.     Jupiter,  300 

The  God  of  thunders,  sending  a  strong  wind 
From  the  Idaean  summits,  drave  the  dust 
Full  on  the  galleys,  and  made  faint  the  hearts 
Of  the  Greek  warriors,  and  gave  new  renown 
To  Hector  and  the  men  of  Troy.     For  these,        303 
Trusting  in  portents  sent  from  Jupiter, 
And  their  own  valor,  labored  to  break  through 
The  massive  rampart  of  the  Greeks  :  they  tore 
The  galleries  from  the  towers,  and  levelled  down 
The  breastworks,  heaved  with   levers   from    their 
place  310 

The  jutting  buttresses  which  Argive  hands 
Had  firmly  planted  to  support  the  towers, 
And  brought  them  to  the  ground  ;  and  thus  they 

hoped 

To  force  a  passage  to  the  Grecian  camp. 
Not  yet  did  they  of  Greece  give  way  :  they  fenced  3*5 
The  rampart  with  their  ox-hide  shields,  and  smote 
The  enemy  from  behind  them  as  he  came 
Under  the  wall.     The  chieftains  Ajax  flew   • 
From  tower  to  tower,  and  cheered  the  Achaians  on, 
And  roused  their  valor,  —  some  with  gentle  words, 
And  some  with  harsh  rebuke,  —  whome'er  they  saw 
Skulk  from  the  toils  and  dangers  of  the  fight.        ^ 

"  O  friends  !  "  they  said,  "  ye  great  in  war,  and  ye 


324  The  Iliad. 

Of  less  renown,  and  ye  of  little  note  !  — 

For  all  are  not  alike  in  war,  —  the  time  3*5 

Demands  the  aid  of  all,  as  well  ye  know  : 

And  now  let  no  man  turn  him  toward  the  fleet 

Before  the  threats  of  Hector,  but  press  on, 

And  each  exhort  his  fellow  :  so  may  Jove, 

Who  flings  the  lightning  from  Olympus,  grant       330 

That,  driving  back  their  onset,  we  may  chase 

The  enemy  to  the  very  walls  of  Troy.'' 

Thus  in  the  van  they  shouted,  and  awoke 
New  courage  in  the  Greeks.     As  when  the  flakes 
Of  snow  fall  thick  upon  a  winter-day,  333 

When  Jove  the  Sovereign  pours  them  down  on  men, 
Like  arrows,  from  above  ;  —  he  bids  the  wind 
Breathe  not  ;  continually  he  pours  them  down, 
And  covers  every  mountain-top  and  peak, 
And  flowery  mead,  and  field  of  fertile  tilth,  340 

And  sheds  them  on  the  havens  and  the  shores 
Of  the  gray  deep ;  but  there  the  waters  bound 
The  covering  of  snows,  —  all  else  is  white 
Beneath  that  fast-descending  shower  of  Jove  ;  — 
So  thick  the  shower  of  stones  from  either  side      345 
Flew  toward  the  other,  —  from  the  Greeks  against 
The  Trojans,  and  from  them  against  the  Greeks ; 
And  fearful  was  the  din  along  the  wall. 

Yet  would  illustrious  Hector  and  the  men 
Of  Troy  have  failed  to  force  the  gates  and  burst  35* 
The  bar  within,  had  not  all-seeing  Jove 
Impelled  his  son  Sarpedon  to  attack 


Book  XII.  325 

The  Greeks  as  falls  a  lion  on  a  herd 
Of  horned  beeves.     The  warrior  held  his  shield, 
A  brazen  orb,  before  him,  —  beautiful,  355 

And  fenced  with  metal ;  for  the  armorer  laid 
Broad  plates  without,  while  under  these  he  sewed 
Bull's-hides  the  toughest,  edged  with  golden  wires 
Upon  the  rim.     With  this  the  warrior  came, 
Wielding  two  spears.     As  when  a  lion,  bred          3<*> 
Among  the  mountains,  fasting  long  from  flesh, 
Comes  into  the  fenced  pastures,  without  fear, 
To  prey  upon  the  flock  ;  and  though  he  meet 
The  shepherds  keeping  watch  with  dogs  and  spears, 
Yet  will  he  not  be  driven  thence  until  365 

He  makes  a  spring  into  the  fold  and  bears 
A  sheep  away,  or  in  the  act  is  slain, 
Struck  by  a  javelin  from  some  ready  hand  ;  — 
Sarpedon,  godlike  warrior,  thus  was  moved 
By  his  great  heart  to  storm  the  wall  and  break      370 
Through  the  strong  barrier ;  and  to  Glaucus,  son 
Of  Lycia's  king  Hippolochus,  he  said  :  — 

"  Why,  Glaucus,  are  we  honored,  on  the  shores 
Of  Lycia,  with  the  highest  seat  at  feasts, 
And  with  full  cups  ?     Why  look  men  up  to  us       375 
As  to  the  gods  ?     And  why  do  we  possess 
Broad,  beautiful  enclosures,  full  of  vines 
And  wheat,  beside  the  Xanthus?     Then  it  well 
Becomes  us,  foremost  in  the  Lycian  ranks 
To  stand  against  the  foe,  where'er  the  fight  380 

Is  hottest ;  so  our  well-armed  Lycian  men 


326  TJic  Iliad. 

Shall  say,  and  truly  .-  '  Not  ingloriously 

Our  kings  bear  rule  in  Lycia,  where  they  feast 

On  fallings  of  the  flock,  and  drink  choice  wine  ; 

For  they  excel  in  valor,  and  they  fight  & 

Among  our  foremost.'     O  my  friend,  if  \ve, 

Leaving  this  war,  could  flee  from  age  and  death. 

I  should  not  here  be  fighting  in  the  van, 

Nor  would  I  send  thee  to  the  glorious  war 

But  now,  since  many  are  the  modes  of  death         390 

Impending  o'er  us,  which  no  man  can  hope 

To  shun,  let  us  press  on  and  give  renown 

To  other  men,  or  win  it  for  ourselves  !  " 

He  spake  ;  and  Glaucus  not  unwillingly 
Heard  and  obeyed.     Right  on  the  warriors  pressed, 
Leading  the  Lycian  host.     Menestheus,  son          396 
Of  Peteus,  saw,  and  trembled  ;  for  they  came 
With  evil  menace  toward  his  tower.     He  lookec 
Along  the  Grecian  lines  in  hope  to  see 
Some  chieftain  there  whose  ready  help  might  save  400 
His  comrades  from  their  danger.     He  beheld 
The  rulers  Ajax,  never  tired  of  war, 
Standing  with  Teucer,  who  just  then  had  left 
His  tent ;  and  yet  they  could  not  hear  his  shout, 
So  fearful  was  the  din  that  rose  to  heaven  405 

From  all  the  shields,  and  crested  helms,  and  gates, 
Smitten  with  missiles,  —  for  at  all  the  gates 
The  Lycians  thundered,  struggling  hard  to  break 
A  passage  through  them.     Then  Menestheus  called 
A  herald  near,  and  bade  Thootes  bear  ^ 


Book  X!I.  327 

A  message  to  the  leaders  Ajax,  thus  :  — 

"Go,  nobly  born  Thootes,  and  in  haste 
Call  Ajax,  — call  them  both,  for  that  were  best,  — 
Since  terrible  will  be  the  slaughter  here, 
So  fiercely  are  the  Lycians  pressing  on,  415 

Impetuous  ever  in  assault.      If  there 
The  fight  be  also  urgent,  then  at  least 
Let  the  brave  Telamonian  Ajax  come, 
And  Teucer,  the  great  archer,  follow  him. 

He  spake.     The  herald  listened  and  obeyed,     4=0 
And  flew  along  the  summit  of  the  wall 
Built  by  the  Greeks.     He  reached,  and  stood  beside, 
The  chieftains  Ajax,  and  addressed  them  thus  :  — 

"  Ajaces,  leaders  of  the  warlike  Greeks, 
The  honored  son  of  noble  Peteus  asks  vs 

That  ye  will  come,  though  for  a  little  space, 
To  aid  him  and  to  share  his  warlike  toils  ; 
For  terrible  will  be  the  slaughter  there, 
So  fiercely  are  the  Lycians  pressing  on, 
Impetuous  ever  in  assault.     If  here  43° 

The  fight  be  also  urgent,  then  at  least 
Let  the  brave  Telamonian  Ajax  come; 
And  Teucer,  the  great  archer,  follow  him." 

He  ended.     Ajax,  son  of  Telamon, 
Hearkened,  and  to  his  fellow-warrior  said  :  —        435 

"  Here,  where  the  gallant  Lycomedes  stands, 
Ajax  !  remain,  and,  cheering  on  the  Greeks, 
Lead  them  to  combat  valiantly.      I  go 
To  stem  the  battle  there,  and  when  our  friends 


328  The  Iliad. 

Are  succored  I  will  instantly  return."  44° 

So  speaking,  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon, 
Departed  thence,  and  with  him  Teucer,  sprung 
From  the  same  father.     With  them  also  went 
Pandion,  carrying  Teucer's  crooked  bow. 
They  came  to  brave  Menestheus  at  his  tower,       445 
And  went  within  the  wall  and  met  their  friends, 
Hard-pressed,  —  for  gallantly  the  Lycian  chiefs 
And  captains,  like  a  gloomy  tempest,  rushed 
Up  the  tall  breastworks  ;  while  the  Greeks  withstood 
Their  onset,  and  a  mighty  clamor  rose.          .         450 

Then  Telamonian  Ajax  smote  to  death 
Epicles,  great  of  soul,  Sarpedon's  friend  : 
Against  that  chief  he  cast  a  huge,  rough  stone, 
That  lay  high  up  beside  a  pinnacle 
Within  the  wall.     No  man  with  both  his  hands,  —  435 
Such  men  as  now  are,  —  though  in  prime  of  youth, 
Could  lift  its  weight  ;  and  yet  he  wielded  it 
Aloft,  and  flung  it.     Through  the  four-coned  helm 
It  crashed,  and  brake  the  skull  within.   Down  plunged 
The  Lycian,  like  a  diver,  from  his  place  460 

On  the  high  tower,  and  life  forsook  his  limbs. 
Then  Teucer  also  wounded  with  a  shaft 
Glaucus,  the  brave  son  of  Hippolochus, 
As  he  leaped  forth  to  scale  the  lofty  wall,  — 
Wounded  him  where  the  naked  arm  was  seen,       465 
And  made  him  leave  the  combat.     Back  he  sprang, 
Hiding  amid  the  crowd,  that  so  the  Greeks 
Might  not  behold  the  wounded  limb,  and  scoff. 


Book  XI r.  329 

With  grief  Sarpedon  saw  his  friend  withdraw, 
Yet  paused  not  from  the  conflict,  but  took  aim      *?« 
At  Thestor's  son,  Alcmaon,  with  his  spear; 
Pierced  him  ;  and  drew  the  weapon  out.    The  Greek^ 
Following  the  spear,  fell  headlong  ;  and  his  arms, 
Studded  with  brass,  clashed  round  him  as  he  fell. 
Then  did  Sarpedon  seize,  with  powerful  hands,     m 
The  battlement ;  he  wrenched  it,  and  it  came 
To  earth,  and  laid  the  rampart's  summit  bare, 
To  make  a  passage  for  the  assailing  host. 
Ajax  and  Teucer  saw,  and  both  took  aim 
Together  at  Sarpedon  :  Teucer's  shaft  480 

Struck  in  the  midst  the  buckler's  glittering  belt, 
Just  at  the  bosom  ;  but  Jove  warded  off 
The  death-stroke  from  his  son,  lest  he  should  fall 
Beside  the  galleys.     Ajax,  springing,  struck 
The  buckler  with  his  spear,  and  pierced  its  folds,  435 
And  checked  the  eager  warrior,  who  gave  way 
A  little,  yet  retreated  not,  but  turned, 
Encouraging  the  godlike  Lycians  thus  :  — 

"  Where,  Lycians,  is  your  fiery  valor  now  ? 
Were  I  the  bravest,  it  were  hard,  alone,  <* 

For  me  to  force  a  passage  to  the  fleet, 
Though  I  have  cleared  the  way.     Come  on  with  me  ! 
Light  is  the  task  when  many  share  the  toil." 

He  spake  ;  and  they  who  reverenced  his  words 
Of  exhortation  drew  more  closely  round  495 

Their  counsellor  and  sovereign,  while  the  Greeks 
Above  them  made  their  phalanxes  more  strong 


33O  The  Iliad. 

Within  the  wall,  —  for  urgent  was  the  need  ; 
Since  neither  could  the  gallant  Lycians  break 
The  barrier  of  the  Greeks,  and  cut  their  way 
Through  to  the  fleet,  nor  could  the  warlike  Greeks 
Drive  back  the  Lycians  when  they  once  had  reached 
The  rampart.     As  two  men  upon  a  field, 
With  measuring-rods  in  hand,  disputing  stand 
Over  the  common  boundary,  in  small  space,          505 
Each  one  contending  for  the  right  he  claims, 
So,  kept  asunder  by  the  breastwork,  fought 
The  warriors  over  it,  and  fiercely  struck 
The  orbed  bull's-hide  shields  held  up  before 
The  breast,  and  the  light  targets.     Many  a  one    sn 
Was  smitten  when  he  turned  and  showed  the  back 
Unarmed,  and  many  wounded  through  the  shield. 
The  towers  and  battlements  were  steeped  in  blood 
Of  heroes,  — Greeks  and  Trojans.     Yet  were  not 
The  Greeks  thus  put  to  flight  ,  but,  as  the  scales  su 
Are  held  by  some  just  woman,  who  maintains, 
By  spinning  wool,  her  household,  —  carefully 
She  poises  both  the  wool  and  weights,  to  make 
The  balance  even,  that  she  may  provide 
A  pittance  for  her  babes,  — thus  equally  s=o 

Were  matched  the  warring  hosts,  till  Jupiter 
Conferred  the  eminent  glory  of  the  day 
On  Hector,  son  of  Priam.     He  it  was 
Who  first  leaped  down  into  the  space  within 
The  Grecian  wall,  and,  with  far-reaching  voice,     v*> 
Thus  shouted,  calling  to  the  men  of  Troy  :  — 


Book  XH.  331 

"  Rush  on,  ye  knights  of  Troy  !  rush  boldly  on, 
And  break  your  passage  through  the  Grecian  wall, 
And  hurl  consuming  flames  against  their  fleet !  " 

So  spake  he,  cheering  on  his  men.      They  heard, 
And  rushed  in  mighty  throngs  against  the  wall,     ss< 
And  climbed  the  battlements,  to  charge  the  foe 
With  spears.     Then  Hector  stooped,  and  seized  a 

stone 

Which  lay  before  the  gate,  broad  at  the  base         534 
And  sharp  above,  which  two,  the  strongest  men,  — 
As  men  are  now,  —  could  hardly  heave  from  earth 
Into  a  wain.     With  ease  he  lifted  it, 
Alone,  and  brandished  it :  such  strength  the  son 
Of  Saturn  gave  him,  that  it  seemed  but  light. 
As  when  a  shepherd  carries  home  with  ease          540 
A  wether's  fleece,  —  he  bears  it  in  one  hand, 
And  little  is  he  cumbered  with  its  weight,  — 
So  Hector  bore  the  lifted  stone,  to  break 
The  beams  that  strengthened  the  tall  folding-gates. 
Two  bars  within,  laid  crosswise,  held  them  firm,  —  545 
Both  fastened  with  one  bolt.     He  came  and  stood 
Before  them  ;  with  wide-parted  feet  he  stood, 
And  put  forth  all  his  strength,  that  so  his  arm 
Might  drive  the  missile  home  ;  and  in  the  midst 
He  smote  the  folding-gates.     The  blow  tore  off    55° 
The  hinges  ;  heavily  the  great  stone  fell 
Within  :  the  portals  crashed  ;  nor  did  the  bars 
Withstand  the  blow  :  the  shattered  beams  gave  way 
Before  it  ;  and  illustrious  Hector  sprang 


332  The  Iliad. 

Into  the  camp.     His  look  was  stern  as  night ;       555 

And  terribly  the  brazen  armor  gleamed 

That  swathed  him.     With  two  spears  in  hand  he 

came, 

And  none  except  the  gods  —  when  once  his  foot 
Was  on  the  ground  —  could  stand  before  his  might. 
His  eyes  shot  fire,  and,  turning  to  his  men,  &> 

He  bade  them  mount  the  wall  ;  and  they  obeyed  : 
Some  o'er  the  wall,  some  through  the  sculptured  gate, 
Poured  in.     The  Achaians  to  their  roomy  ships 
Fled,  and  a  fearful  uproar  filled  the  air. 


END   OF   VOL.   I. 


THE  ILIAD  OF  HOMER. 


VOL.    II. 


CONTENTS    OF   VOL.  II. 


BOOK    XIII. 

THE  CONTINUATION   OF  THE   FOURTH   BATTLE. 

Pa^e 

Descent  of  Neptune  in  Aid  of  the  Greeks.  —  His  Exhortations  ad 
dressed  to  the  Chiefs.  —  The  Trojans  harangued  by  Hector,  and 
the  Battle  renewed  with  great  Fury.  —  Hector's  Advance  checked 
by  the  Ajaxes,  who  rally  the  Greeks.  —  Exploits  of  Meriones  and 
Idomeneus.  —  Idomeneus  forced  to  retire  by  Deiphobus  and 
./Eneas.  — The  Trojans,  hard  pressed  on  their  left,  are  rallied  by 
Hector.  —  Reproof  of  Paris  by  Hector,  and  mutual  Defiance  of 
Hector  and  Ajax I 


BOOK    XIV. 

THE   FRAUD   PRACTISED  ON  JUPITER   BY  JUNO. 

Consultation  of  Agamemnon  with  Nestor,  Diomed,  and  Ulysses. — 
Proposal  of  Agamemnon  to  withdraw  from  Troy  by  Night  opposed 
by  Ulysses.  —  Visit  made  by  these  wounded  Chiefs  to  the  Battle 
field,  in  order  to  encourage  the  Army.  —  The  Cestus  of  Venus 
borrowed  by  Juno,  who  decoys  Jupiter  to  her  Chamber,  where  he 
falls  asleep.  —  Neptune  meanwhile  actively  aids  the  Greeks,  who 
commit  great  Slaughter.  —  Hector  wounded  by  Ajax  ...  38 

BOOK    XV. 

THE  FIFTH   BATTLE  AT  THE  SHIPS. 

The  Anger  of  Jupiter  on  awaking  appeased  by  Juno's  Denial  that 
she  had  instigated  Neptune  to  aid  the  Greeks.  —  Iris  despatched 
to  recall  Neptune  from  the  Field.  —  Mars,  enraged  at  the  Death 
of  his  Son  Ascalaphus  and  arming  to  aid  the  Trojans,  is  restrained 
by  Minerva.  —  Hector  healed  by  Apollo.  —  His  Return  to  the 


iv  Contents. 

Field.  —  The  Greeks  driven  back  to  the  Ships  by  the  Trojans, 
who  attempt  to  set  the  Fleet  on  Fire.  —  Defence  of  the  Ships  by 
Ajax 61 

BOOK    XVI. 

THE   SIXTH   BATTLE.  —  DEATH   OF  PATROCLUS. 

Patroclus  permitted  by  Achilles  to  take  Part  in  the  War,  on  Condi 
tion  that  he  will  return  after  repulsing  the  Trojans  from  the  Fleet. 

—  His  Preparations  for  the  Battle,  putting  on  the  Armor  of  Achil 
les,  and  summoning  the  Myrmidons  to  follow  him.  —  Alarm  ot  the 
Trojans  on  seeing  him,  supposing  him  to  be  Achilles.  —  His  Ex 
ploits.  —  The  Trojans  driven  back   from  the    Fleet.  —  Death   of 
Sarpedon.  —  The  Trojans  pursued  by  Patroclus,  contrary  to  the 
Command  of  Achilles,  to  the  Walls  of  Troy.  —  Patroclus  disarmed 

by  Apollo,  wounded  by  Euphorbus,  and  slain  by  Heccor        .        .       94 

BOOK    XVII. 

THE   SEVENTH    BATTLE. 

Contest  for  the  Body  of  Patroclus,  which  is  guarded  by  Menelaus. 

—  Death  of  Euphorbus.  —  Retreat  of  Menelaus,  and  his  Return 
with  Ajax,  after  which  Hector  is  obliged  to  give  Way.  —  Hector 
reproved  for  this  by  Glaucus.  —  He  puts  on  the  Armor  of  Patro 
clus,  and  renews  the  Contest,  driving  back  the  Greeks.  —  Rally  of 
the  Greeks  by  Ajax.  —  Bravery  of  jtneas.  —  Flight  of  Automedon 
with  the  Horses  and  Chariot  of  Patroclus.  —  The  Defenders  of  the 
Body  of  Patroclus  involved  in  Darkness,  which  is  dispelled  at  the 
Prayer  of  Ajax.  — A  Message  sent  to  Achilles  informing  him  of 
the  Death  of  Patroclus,  whose  Body  is  rescued  and  borne  off  by 
Menelaus  and  Meriones 132 

BOOK    XVIII. 

THE   GRIEF   OF   ACHILLES    FOR    THE    DEATH   OF   PATROCLUS. 

Lamentation  of  Achilles  over  Patroclus.  —  A  Visit  of  Condolence 
from  Thetis  and  her  Nymphs.  —  Appearance  of  Achilles  on  the 
Intrenchments,  and  consequent  Alarm  of  the  Trojans.  —A  Coun 
cil  of  War  held  by  the  Trojan  Chiefs  —  Advice  of  Polydamas  to 
withdraw  from  the  Field  into  Troy  opposed  by  Hector,  and  re 
jected.  —  Vulcan  engaged  by  Thetis  to  forge  a  new  Suit  of  Armor 
for  Achilles 164 


Contents. 
BOOK    XIX. 

THE   RECONCILIATION    OF   ACHILLES   AND   AGAMEMNON. 

Thetis  brings  to  Achilles  the  Armor  forged  by  Vulcan.  —  The  Body 
of  Patroclus  preserved  by  the  Gods  from  Corruption.  —  An  Assem 
bly  of  all  the  Army,  before  whom  Agamemnon  and  Achilies  make 
Speeches,  and  renounce  their  Enmity.  —  Briseis  restored  to  Achil 
les,  and  the  Presents  of  Agamemnon  accepted  by  him  —  Lament 
of  Briseis  over  Patroclus.  —  Sorrow  of  Achilles.  —  He  arms  him 
self  for  the  War.  —  His  Speech  to  the  Horses  of  Patroclus,  whom 
lie  upbraids  for  having  suffered  their  Master  to  be  slain. — The 
Answer  of  one  of  them  named  Xanthus,  warning  Achilles  of  his 
approaching  Death n 


BOOK    XX. 

THE   BATTLE   OF   THE   GODS. 

Permission  given  by  Jupiter  to  the  Gods  to  take  Part  in  the  War.  — 
The  Combat  renewed  with  great  Violence  and  Tumult.  —  jEneas, 
encountering  Achilles,  to  which  he  is  encouraged  by  Apollo,  is 
only  preserved  from  Death  by  the  Interposition  of  Neptune.  — 
Slaughter  of  the  Trojans  by  Achilles.  —  Hector,  when  in  Danger 
of  being  slain,  snatched  from  the  Presence  of  Achilles  by  Phcebus 
in  a  Cloud.  —  Havoc  made  by  Achilles  in  the  Trojan  Army  . 


BOOK    XXI. 

THE   BATTLE   IN   THE   RIVER   SCAMANDER. 

Flight  of  the  Trojans  before  Achilles,  some  toward  Troy,  and  the  rest 
toward  the  River  Scamander.  —  Twelve  Trojan  Youths  made 
captive  in  the  River,  to  be  butchered  at  the  Funeral  Pile  of  Pa 
troclus.  —  Insult  offered  by  Achilles  to  the  God  of  the  River,  who 
causes  his  Waters  to  rush  against  him,  and  forces  him  to  flee  for 
his  Life.  —  Interference  of  Vulcan,  who  is  summoned  by  Juno  to 
the  Aid  of  Achilles,  and  who,  by  drying  up  the  Waters  of  the 
River,  compels  it  to  submit.  —  Combat  of  Mars  and  Minerva,  and 
of  the  other  Gods.  —  Achilles  decoyed  away  from  the  Gates  of 
Troy  by  Apollo  disguised  in  the  form  of  Agenor,  while  the  Trojans 
enter  the  City 231 


vi  Contents. 

BOOK   XXII. 

THE   DEATH    OF    HECTOR. 

Refusal  of  Hector  to  enter  the  City,  though  entreated  by  Priam  and 
Hecuba.  —  His  Resolve  to  meet  Achilles,  and  his  Flight  when 
Achilles  approaches. — Descent  of  Minerva  to  aid  Achilles. — 
Deceit  practised  by  her  on  Hector,  when,  assuming  the  Form  of 
his  Brother  Deiphobus,  she  induces  him  to  encounter  Achilles.  — 
His  Death.  —  His  Body  dragged  at  the  Chariot-wheels  of  the  Vic 
tor. —  Lament  of  Priam  and  Hecuba. — The  News  brought  to 
Andromache  while  engaged  at  the  Loom.  —  Her  Sorrow  and  Lam 
entation  258 


BOOK    XXIII. 

THE   FUNERAL  OF   PATROCI.US. 

Preparations  for  the  Funeral  of  Patroclus  hastened  by  his  Appear 
ance  to  Achilles  in  a  Dream.  —  Wood  brought  from  the  Forest  for 
the  Funeral  Pile.  —  A  Funeral  Procession,  with  Offerings  of  Hair 
shorn  from  the  Heads  of  the  Chiefs  and  laid  on  the  Dead.  —  Sac 
rifice  offered,  and  the  Twelve  Trojan  Youths  slain,  and  the  Pile 
kindled.  — The  Funeral  Games,  at  which  Achilles  presides  . 


BOOK    XXIV. 

THE  BODY  OF  HECTOR  RECOVERED. 

A  Council  of  the  Gods. — Thetis  sent  to  make  Achilles  willing  to 
restore  the  Body  of  Hector  to  his  Friends.  —  Iris  sent  to  Priam, 
bidding  him  go  in  Person  to  Achilles  and  ask  for  the  Body.  — 
Visit  of  Priam  made  by  Night  to  the  Tent  of  Achilles,  who  is 
moved  by  his  Entreaties  and  magnificent  Presents  to  deliver  up 
the  Remains  of  his  Son.  —  Departure  of  Priam  by  Night  with  the 
Body  from  the  Tent  of  Achilles.  —  Lament  of  Andromache,  Hec 
tor,  and  Helen  over  the  Dead.  —  The  Funeral  of  Hector,  with 
which  the  Poem  closes 


THE     ILIAD. 


BOOK    XIII. 

\  T  7HEN"  Jove  had  brought  the  Trojans  and 
VV  their  chief, 

Hector,  beside  the  ships,  he  left  them  there 
To  toil  and  struggle  and  endure,  while  he 
Turned  his  resplendent  eyes  upon  the  land 
Of  Thracian  horsemen,  and  the  Mysians,  skilled     s 
To  combat  hand  to  hand,  and  the  famed  tribe 
Of  long-lived  Hippomulgi,  reared  on  milk, 
And  the  most  just  of  men.     On  Troy  no  more 
He  turned  those  glorious  eyes,  for  now  he  deemed 
That  none  of  all  the  gods  would  seek  to  aid  1° 

Either  the  Greeks  or  Trojans  in  the  strife. 

The  monarch  Neptune  kept  no  idle  watch ; 
For  he  in  Thracian  Samos,  dark  '.vith  woods, 
Aloft  upon  the  highest  summit  sat, 
O'erlooking  thence  the  tumult  of  the  war  ;  «? 

For  thence  could  he  behold  the  Idosan  mount, 
And  Priam's  city,  and  the  Grecian  fleet. 
There,  coming  from  the  ocean-deeps,  he  sat, 

VOL.   II.  I  A 


2  The  Iliad. 

And  pitied  the  Greek  warriors  put  to  rout 
Before  the  Trojans,  and  was  wroth  with  Jove.         20 
Soon  he  descended  from  those  rugged  steeps, 
And  trod  the  earth  with  rapid  strides  ;  the  hills 
And  forests  quaked  beneath  the  immortal  feet 
Of  Neptune  as  he  walked.     Three  strides  he  took, 
And  at  the  fourth  reached  ^gae,  where  he  stopped, 
And  where  his  sumptuous  palace-halls  were  built,  *> 
Deep  down  in  ocean,  golden,  glittering,  proof 
Against  decay  of  time.     These  when  he  reached, 
He  yoked  his  swift  and  brazen-footed  steeds, 
With  manes  of  flowing  gold,  to  draw  his  car,          30 
And  put  on  golden  mail,  and  took  his  scourge, 
Wrought  of  fine  gold,  and  climbed  the  chariot-seat, 
And  rode  upon  the  waves.     The  whales  came  forth 
From  their  deep  haunts,  and  frolicked  round  his  way  : 
They  knew  their  king.  The  waves  rejoicing  smoothed 
A  path,  and  rapidly  the  coursers  flew  ;  35 

Nor  was  the  brazen  axle  wet  below. 
And  thus  they  brought  him  to  the  Grecian  fleet. 

Deep  in  the  sea  there  is  a  spacious  cave, 
Between  the  rugged  Imbrus  and  the  isle  40 

Of  Tenedos.     There  Neptune,  he  who  shakes 
The  shores,  held  back  his  steeds,  took  off  their  yoke, 
Gave  them  ambrosial  food,  and,  binding  next 
Their  feet  with  golden  fetters  which  no  power 
Might  break  or  loosen,  so  that  they  might  wait      45 
Their  lord's  return,  he  sought  the  Grecian  host. 

Still  did  the  Trojans,  rushing  on  in  crowds, 


Book  XIII.  3 

Like  flames  or  like  a  tempest,  follow  close 
Hector,  the  son  of  Priam  ;  still  their  rage 
Abated  not ;  with  stormy  cries  they  came  ;  # 

They  hoped  to  seize  the  fleet  and  slay  the  Greeks 
Beside  it.     But  the  power  who  swathes  the  earth 
And  shakes  it,  Neptune,  coming  from  the  deep, 
Revived  the  valor  of  the  Greeks.     He  took 
The  shape  of  Calchas  and  his  powerful  voice,         55 
And  thus  to  either  Ajax,  who  yet  stemmed 
The  battle  with  a  resolute  heart,  he  spake  :  — 

"O  chieftains  !  yours  it  is  to  save  the  host, 
Recalling  your  old  valor,  with  no  thought 
Of  fatal  flight.     Elsewhere  I  feel  no  dread  «o 

Of  what  the  daring  sons  of  Troy  may  do 
Who  climb  the  wall  in  throngs  ;  the  well-greaved 

Greeks 

Will  meet  them  bravely.     But  where  Hector  leads, 
Fierce  as  a  flame,  his  squadrons,  he  who  boasts 
To  be  a  son  of  sovereign  Jove,  I  fear  e5 

Lest  we  should  sorely  suffer.     May  the  gods 
Strengthen  your  hearts  to  stand  against  the  foe, 
And  flinch  not,  and  exhort  the  rest  to  stand, 
And  drive  him  back,  audacious  as  he  is, 
From  the  swift  ships,  though  Jove  should  urge  him 
on."  70 

Thus     earth-surrounding    Neptune     said,     and 

touched 

Each  hero  with  his  sceptre,  filled  their  hearts 
With  valor,  gave  new  lightness  to  their  limbs 


4  The  Iliad. 

And  feet  and  hands,  and  then,  as  when  a  hawk 
Shoots  swiftly  from  some  lofty  precipice  75 

And  chases  o'er  the  plain  another  bird, 
So  swiftly  Neptune,  shaker  of  the  shores, 
Darted  from  them  away.     Oileus'  son 
Perceived  the  immortal  presence  first,  and  thus 
At  once  to  Telamonian  Ajax  spake  :  —  &> 

"  Some  god,  O  Ajax,  from  the  Olympian  hill, 
Wearing  the  augur's  form,  hath  bid  us  fight 
Beside  the  ships  ;  nor  can  it  be  the  seer 
Calchas,  for  well  I  marked  his  feet  and  legs 
As  he  departed  ;  easily  by  these  «s 

The  gods  are  known.     I  feel  a  spirit  roused 
In  my  own  bosom  eager  to  engage 
In  the  fierce  strife ;  my  very  feet  below, 
And  hands  above,  take  part  in  the  desire." 

And  thus  the  son  of  Telamon  replied  : —  90 

"  So  also  these  strong  hands  that  grasp  the  spear 
Burn  eagerly  to  wield  it,  and  my  heart 
Is  full  of  courage.     I  am  hurried  on 
By  both  my  feet,  and  vehemently  long 
To  try  alone  the  combat  with  this  chief  95 

Of  boundless  valor,  Hector,  Priam's  son." 

Thus  they  conferred,  rejoicing  as  they  felt 
That  ardor  for  the  battle  which  the  god 
Had  breathed  into  their  hearts.   Meantime  he  roused 
The  Achaians  at  the  rear,  who  in  their  ships         i«> 
Sought  respite,  and  whose  limbs  were  faint  with  toil, 
And  their  hearts  sad  to  see  the  Trojan  host 


Book  XIII.  5 

With  tumult  pouring  o'er  the  lofty  wall. 

As  they  beheld,  the  tears  came  gushing  forth 

From  underneath  their  lids  ;  they  little  hoped       105 

For  rescue  from  destruction ;  but  when  came 

The  power  that  shakes  the  shores,  he  woke  anew 

The  spirit  of  their  valiant  phalanxes. 

Teucer  he  first  addressed,  and  Leitus, 

The  hero  Peneleus  and  Thoas  next,  no 

Deipyrus,  Meriones  expert 

In  battle,  and  Antilochus  his  peer, 

And  thus  exhorted  them  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Shame  on  you,  Argive  youths  !     I  put  my  trust 
In  your  tried  valor  to  defend  our  fleet ;  ^s 

But  if  ye  fear  to  face  the  perilous  fight, 
The  day  has  risen  which  shall  behold  us  fall 
Vanquished  before  the  Trojans.     O  ye  gods  ! 
These  eyes  have  seen  a  marvel,  a  strange  sight 
And  terrible,  which  I  had  never  thought  ^ 

Could  be,  —  the  Trojans  close  upon  our  ships, 
They  who,  erewhile,  were  like  the  timid  deer 
That  wander  in  the  wood  an  easy  prey 
To  jackals,  pards,  and  wolves,  — weak  things,  unapt 
For  combat,  fleeing,  but  without  an  aim.  12-, 

Such  were  the  Trojans,  who  till  now  ne'er  dared 
Withstand  the  might  and  prowess  of  the  Greeks 
Even  for  an  hour.     But  now.  afar  from  Troy 
They  give  us  battle  at  the  hollow  ships, 
All  through  our  general's  fault,  and  through  the  slotK 
Of  the  Greek  warriors,  who,  displeased  with  him,  131 


6  The  Iliad. 

Fight  not  for  their  swift  galleys,  but  are  slain 

Beside  them.     Yet  although  our  sovereign  chief, 

Atrides  Agamemnon,  may  have  clone 

Foul  wrong,  dishonoring  the  swift-footed  son         135 

Of  Peleus,  still  ye  cannot  without  blame 

Decline  the  combat.     Let  us  then  repair 

The  mischief  done  ;  the  hearts  of  valiant  men 

Are  soon  appeased.     And  not  without  the  loss 

Of  honor  can  your  fiery  courage  sleep,  MO 

Since  ye  are  known  the  bravest  of  the  host. 

I  would  not  chide  the  weak,  unwarlike  man 

For  shrinking  from  the  combat ;  but  for  you,  — 

I  look  on  you  with  anger  in  my  heart. 

Weaklings  !  ye  soon  will  bring  upon  yourselves     MS 

Some  sorer  evil  if  ye  loiter  thus. 

Let  each  of  you  bethink  him  of  the  shame 

And  infamy  impending.     Terrible 

The  struggle  is  before  us.     Hector  storms 

The  ships,  loud-shouting  Hector  ;  he  has  burst     150 

The  gate  and  broken  the  protecting  bar." 

So  Neptune  spake,  encouraging  the  Greeks. 
While  firmly  stood  the  serried  phalanxes 
Round  either  Ajax,  nor  could  Mars  himself, 
Nor  Pallas,  musterer  of  armed  hosts,  155 

Reprove  their  order.     There  the  flower  of  Greece 
Waited  the  Trojans  and  their  noble  chief, 
Spear  beside  spear,  and  shield  by  shield,  so  close 
That  buckler  pressed  on  buckler,  helm  on  heim, 
And  man  on  man.    The  plumes  of  horse-hair  touched 


Book  XI II.  7 

Each  other  as  they  nodded  on  the  crests  tfi 

Of  the  bright  helms,  so  close  the  warriors  stood. 

The  lances  quivered  in  the  fearless  hands 

Of  warriors  eager  to  advance  and  strike 

The  enemy.     But  the  men  of  Troy  began  ^ 

The  assault ;  the  fiery  Hector  was  the  first 

To  rush  against  the  Greeks.     As  when  a  stone 

Rolls  from  a  cliff  before  a  wintry  flood 

That  sweeps  it  down  the  steep,  when  mighty  rains 

Have  worn  away  the  props  that  held  it  fast ;         -70 

It  rolls  and  bounds  on  high  ;  the  woods  around 

Crash,  as  it  tears  its  unresisted  way 

Along  the  slope  until  it  reach  the  plain, 

And  there,  however  urged,  moves  on  no  more  ;  — 

So  Hector,  menacing  to  cut  his  way  175 

Through  tents  and  galleys  to  the  very  sea, 

Slaying  as  he  went  forward,  when  he  now 

Met  the  firm  phalanxes  and  pressed  them  close, 

Stopped  suddenly  ;  the  sons  of  Greece  withstood 

His  onset  and  repulsed  it,  striking  him  i&> 

With  swords  and  two-edged  spears,  and  made  the  chief 

Give  way  before  the  shock.     He  lifted  up 

His  voice  and  shouted  to  the  Trojans  thus  :  — 

"  Trojans  and  Lycians  and  Dardanians  skilled 
In  fighting  hand  to  hand,  stand  firm.     Not  long  185 
Will  the  Greeks  bide  my  onset,  though  drawn  up 
Square  as  a  tower  in  close  array.     My  spear, 
I  trust,  will  scatter  them,  if  true  it  be 
That  Juno's  husband,  Sovereign  of  the  gods, 


8  The  Iliad. 

And  Lord  of  thunders,  prompts  my  arm  to-day."  w 

He  spake,  and  kindled  in  the  breasts  of  all 
Fresh  courage.     In  the  band  Deiphobus 
Marched  proudly,  Priam's  son,  with  his  round  shield 
Before  him,  walking  with  a  quick,  light  step 
Behind  its  shelter.     Then  Meriones  195 

Aimed  at  the  chief  his  glittering  spear;  the  point 
Missed  not ;  it  struck  the  orb  of  bullock's  hide, 
Yet  did  not  pierce  it,  for  the  weapon  broke 
Just  at  the  neck.     Deiphobus  held  forth 
His  shield  far  from  him,  dreading  to  receive 
A  spear-thrust  from  the  brave  Meriones. 
Vexed  thus  to  lose  the  victory,  and  the  spear 
Snapped  by  the  blow,  Meriones  fell  back 
Into  the  column  of  his  friends,  and  passed 
Hastily  toward  the  camp  and  ships,  to  bring          205 
A  powerful  spear  that  stood  within  his  tent, 
While  others  fought,  and  fearful  was  the  din. 

Then  Teucer  first,  the  son  of  Telamon, 
Smote  gallant  Imbrius,  son  of  Mentor,  lord 
Of  many  steeds.     He,  ere  the  Greeks  had  come  210 
To  Troy,  dwelt  at  Pedaeum  and  espoused 
Medesicasta,  Priam's  spurious  child. 
But  when  the  well-oared  galleys  of  the  Greeks 
Mustered  at  Troy,  he  also  came,  and  there 
Was  eminent  among  her  chiefs,  and  dwelt  ^5 

With  Priam,  and  was  honored  as  his  son. 
The  son  of  Telamon  beneath  the  ear 
Pierced  him  with  his  long  javelin,  and  drew  forth 


Book  XIII.  9 

The  weapon.     Headlong  to  the  earth  he  fell. 
As  on  a  mountain  height,  descried  from  far,          ™ 
Hewn  by  a  brazen  axe,  an  ash  is  felled 
And  lays  its  tender  sprays  upon  the  ground, 
Thus  Imbrius  fell,  and  round  him  in  his  fall 
Clashed  his  bright  armor.     Teucer  sprang  in  haste 
To  spoil  the  dead,  but  Hector  hurled  at  him 
His  shining  spear;  the  wary  Teucer  stepped 
Aside,  and  just  escaped  the  brazen  blade. 
It  struck  Amphimachus,  Cteatus'  son, 
And  Actor's  grandson  ;  as  he  came  to  Join 
The  battle,  he  was  smitten  in  the  breast,  =30 

And  fell,  his  armor  clashing  round  his  limbs. 
Then  Hector  flew  in  haste  to  tear  away 
From  the  large-souled  Amphimachus  the  helm 
That  cased  his  temples.     Ajax  saw,  and  hurled 
His  glittering  spear  at  Hector  as  he  came  :  •*& 

It  made  no  wound  ;  for  Hector  stood  equipped 
All  o'er  in  formidable  brass.     The  spear 
Struck  on  the  bossy  shield  with  such  a  shock 
As  forced  him  to  recoil,  and  leave  unspoiled 
The  bodies,  which  the  Achaians  dragged  away,     •**> 
For  Stichius  and  Menestheus,  chief  among 
The  Athenians,  bore  the  dead  Amphimachus 
To  the  Greek  camp,  while  the  two  men  of  might, 
The  chieftains  Ajax,  lifted  Imbrius  up  ; 
And  as  two  lions,  bearing  off  among  245 

The   close-grown   shrubs    a  goat,  which  they  have 
snatched 
i* 


io  The  Iliad. 

From  sharp-toothed  dogs,  uplift  it  in  their  jaws 
Above  the  ground,  so  the  two  warriors  raised 
The  corpse  of  Imbrius,  and  stripped  off  the  mail, 
While,  angered  that  Amphilochus  was  slain,          ?.<> 
Oileus'  son  struck  from  the  tender  neck 
The  head,  and  sent  it  far  among  the  crowd, 
Whirled  like  a  ball,  to  fall  at  Hector's  feet. 

Meantime  was  Neptune  moved  with  grief  to  see 
His  grandson  perish  in  that  desperate  fray,  255 

And  passed  among  the  Achaian  tents  and  ships 
Encouraging  the  men,  and  planning  woes 
For  Ilium.     There  he  met  Idomeneus, 
Fxpert  to  wield  the  spear,  as  he  returned 
From  caring  for  a  comrade  who  had  left 
The  battle,  wounded  in  the  knee,  and  whom 
His  friends  had  carried  in.     Idomeneus 
Had  called  the  surgeons  to  his  aid,  and  now 
Was  hastening  to  the  field,  intent  to  bear 
His  part  in  battle.     Him  the  monarch  god  *>$ 

Of  ocean  thus  addressed,  but  first  he  took 
The  voice  of  Thoas,  King  Andrsemon's  son, 
Whose  father  ruled  the  /Etolians  through  the  bounds 
Of  Pleuron,  and  in  lofty  Calydon, 
And  like  a  god  was  honored  in  the  land. 

"  O  counsellor  of  Crete,  Idomeneus  ! 
Where  are  the  threats  which  late  the  sons  of  Greece 
Uttered  against  the  Trojans  ?  "     Promptly  came 
The  Cretan  leader's  answer  :  "  No  man  here, 
O  Thoas,  seems  blameworthy,  for  we  all  >-s 


Book  XIII.  1 1 

Are  skilled  in  war,  nor  does  unmanly  fear 

Hold  any  back  ;  nor  from  the  difficult  strife 

Does  sloth  detain  one  warrior.     So  it  is 

Doubtless  that  it  seems  good  to  Saturn's  son, 

The  All-disposer,  that  the  Greeks,  afar  *so 

From  Argos,  should  ingloriously  fall 

And  perish.     Thoas,  thou  wert  ever  brave, 

And  didst  exhort  the  laggards.     Cease  not  now 

To  combat,  cease  not  to  exhort  the  rest." 

And    Neptune,    he   who   shakes    the   earth,    re 
joined  :  —  285 
"  Idomeneus,  whoever  keeps  aloof 
PVom  battle,  willingly,  to-day,  may  he 
Never  return  from  Troy,  but  be  the  prey 
Of  dogs.     Take  thou  thy  arms  and  come  with  me, 
For  we  must  quit  ourselves  like  men,  and  strive    ^ 
To  aid  our  cause,  although  we  be  but  two. 
Great  is  the  strength  of  feeble  arms  combined, 
And  we  can  combat  even  with  the  brave." 

So  speaking,  Neptune  turned  to  share  the  toils 
Of  war.     Idomeneus,  who  now  had  reached          295 
His  princely  tent,  put  on  his  glorious  mail, 
And  seized  two  spears,  and  flew  upon  his  way, 
Like  lightning  grasped  by  Saturn's  son  and  flung 
Quivering  above  Olympus'  gleaming  peak, 
A  sign  to  mortals,  dazzled  by  the  blaze,  300 

So  glittered,  as  he  ran,  his  brazen  mail. 
His  fellow-warrior,  good  Meriones, 
Met  him  beside  the  tent,  for  he  had  come 


12  The  Iliad. 

To  fetch  a  brazen  javelin  thence,  and  thus 

The  stout  Tdomentu.3  addressed  his  friend  :  —      3*5 

"  O  son  of  Molus,  swift  Meriones, 
Dearest  of  all  my  comrades  !     Why  hast  thou 
Thus  left  the  battle-field  ?     Hast  thou  a  wound,  — 
A  weapon's  point  that  galls  thee  ?     Dost  thou  bring 
A  message  to  me  ?     Think  not  that  I  sit  31° 

Within  my  tent  an  idler  :  1  must  fight." 

Discreetly  did  Meriones  reply  :  — 
"  Idomeneus,  whose  sovereign  counsels  rule 
The  well-armed  Cretans,  I  am  come  to  seek 
A  spear  if  one  be  left  within  thy  tents.  ys 

I  broke  the  one  I  bore,  in  hurling  it 
Against  the  shield  of  fierce  Deiphobus." 

The  Cretan  chief,  Idomeneus,  rejoined  :  — 
"  If  spears  thou  seek,  there  stand  within  my  tent 
Twenty  and  one  against  the  shining  walls.  3™ 

I  took  them  from  slain  Trojans.     T  is  my  \vont 
Never  to  fight  at  distance  from  the  foe, 
And  therefore  have  I  spears,  and  bossy  shields, 
And  helms,  and  body-mail  of  polished  brass." 

Then  spake  in  turn  discreet  Merione.s  :  —          ^5 
"  Within  my  tent  are  al^o  many  spoils 
Won  from  the  Trojans,  and  in  my  black  ship  ; 
But  they  are  far  away.     I  do  not  think 
That  I  forget  what  valor  is.     I  fight 
Among  the  foremost  in  the  glorious  strife  3f- 

Where'er  the  battle  calls  me.     Other  men 
Among  the  well-armed  Greeks  may  not  ha\e  st-tri 


Book  XIII.  13 

What  I  perform,  but  thou  must  know  me  well." 

Idomeneus,  the  Cretan  leader,  spake  :  — 
"  I  know  thy  courage  well.     What  need  hast  thou  335 
To  speak  as  thou  hast  done  ?     If  all  of  us, 
The  bravest  of  the  Greeks,  were  set  apart 
To  form  an  ambush  ;  —  for  an  ambush  tries 
And  shows  men's  valor  ;  there  the  craven,  there 
The  brave,  is  known  ;  the  coward's  color  comes   340 
And  goes  ;  his  spirit  is  not  calm  within 
His  bosom,  so  that  he  can  rest  awhile 
And  tremble  not ;  he  shifts  his  place ;  he  sits 
On  both  his  feet;  his  heart  beats  audibly 
Within  his  breast ;  his  teeth  at  thought  of  death  345 
Chatter ;  the  brave  man's  color  changes  not, 
Nor  when  with  other  warriors  he  sits  down 
In  ambush  is  he  troubled,  but  he  longs 
To  rise  and  mingle  in  the  desperate  fray  ;  — 
For  thee,  in  such  an  ambush,  none  could  blame    35° 
Thy  courage  or  thy  skill.     If  there  the  foe 
Should  wound  thee  from  afar,  or  smite  thee  near, 
The  weapon  would  pot  strike  thy  neck  behind, 
Or  pierce  thy  back,  but  enter  at  thy  breast 
Or  stomach,  as  thou  wert  advancing  fast  355 

Among  the  foremost.     But  enough  of  this. 
Come  !  stand  we  here  no  longer,  idiot-like, 
Lest  some  one  chide  us  sharply.     Hasten  thou, 
And  bring  a  sturdy  javelin  from  the  tent." 

He  spake.     Meriones,  like  Mars  in  port  360 

And  swiftness,  hastened  to  the  tent  and  brought 


14  The  Iliad. 

A  brazen  spear,  and  joined  Idomeneus, 

Eager  for  battle.     As  the  god  of  war, 

The  man-destroyer,  comes  into  the  field, 

With  Terror,  his  strong-limbed  and  dauntless  son,  &t 

Following  and  striking  fear  into  the  heart 

Of  the  most  resolute  warrior,  when  from  Thrace 

They  issue  armed  against  the  Ephyri, 

Or  else  against  the  Phlegyans  large  of  soul, 

And  hearken  not  to  both  the  hosts,  but  give          370 

To  one  the  victory ;  so  Meriones 

Advanced  to  battle  with  Idomeneus, 

Leaders  of  heroes  both,  and  both  equipped 

In  glittering  helms.     And  first  Meriones 

Spake  and  addressed  his  fellow-warrior  thus  :  —  375 

"  Son  of  Deucalion,  at  which  point  wilt  thou 
Enter  the  throng  ?     Upon  the  army's  right, 
Its  centre,  or  its  left  ?     The  long-haired  Greeks 
Seem  most  to  need  our  aid  upon  the  left." 

Then  spoke  Idomeneus,  in  turn,  the  prince       380 
Of  Cretans  :  "  At  the  centre  of  the  fleet 
Are  others  who  will  guard  it.     Posted  there 
Are  either  Ajax  and  the  most  expert 
Of  Grecian  archers,  Teucer,  not  less  skilled 
In  standing  fight,  and  amply  will  they  task  385 

The  arm  of  Hector,  Priam's  son,  though  bent 
On  desperate  conflict,  and  though  passing  fierce. 
With  all  his  fierceness,  he  will  find  it  hard 
To  quell  their  prowess,  never  yet  o'ercome. 
And  fire  the  ships,  unless  Saturnian  Jove  **> 


Book  XIII.  15 

Himself  should  cast  on  them  the  flaming  torch. 
Nor  yet  will  Telamonian  Ajax  yield 
To  any  man  of  mortal  birth,  or  reared 
Upon  the  grains  of  Ceres,  or  whom  brass 
Or  ponderous  stones  can  wound.    He  would  not  own 
The  warlike  son  of  Peleus  mightier  396 

Than  he  in  standing  fight,  although  in  speed 
He  vies  not  with  him.     Lead  us  then  to  join 
The  army's  left,  that  we  may  learn  at  once 
Whether  our  fate  in  battle  shall  confer  400 

Glory  on  other  men,  or  theirs  on  us." 

So  spake  the  chief.     Meriones,  the  peer 
Of  Mars  in  swiftness,  hastened  till  he  joined 
The  army  where  his  comrade  bade.     The  foe 
Beheld  Idomeneus,  who  like  a  flame  405 

Swept  on  with  his  companion  all  in  arms 
Gloriously  wrought  ;  they  raised  from  rank  to  rank 
The  battle-cry,  and  met  him  as  he  came, 
And  hand  to  hand,  before  the  galleys'  sterns 
Was  waged  the  combat.     As  when  storms  arise,  41° 
Blown  up  by  piping  winds,  when  dust  lies  loose 
Along  the  roads,  a  spreading  cloud  of  dust 
Fills  the  wide  air,  so  came  the  battle  on 
Between  the  bands  that  struggled  eagerly 
To  slay  each  other.     All  along  the  line  41- 

The  murderous  conflict  bristled  with  long  spears 
That  tore  the  flesh  ;  the  brazen  splendor,  shot 
From  gleaming  helmets  and  from  burnished  mail 
And  shining  bucklers,  all  in  narrow  space 


1 6  Tlic  I  had. 

Dazzled  the  eyes.     Brave-hearted  would  he  be,     4-0 
The  man  who,  gazing  on  it,  could  have  seen 
The  furious  strife  rejoicing  or  unmoved. 

Meantime  the  potent  sons  of  Saturn  each 
Favored  a  different  side,  and  planned  new  toils 
For  all  the  warriors.     Jupiter  had  willed  m 

That  Hector  and  the  Trojans  should  prevail, 
Yet  had  he  not  decreed  the  Achaian  host 
To  perish  before  Troy  ;  he  only  sought 
To  honor  Thetis  and  her  large-souled  son. 
But  Neptune,  mingling  with  the  Greeks,  aroused  -BO 
Their  martial  spirit.     From  the  hoary  deep 
He  came  unmarked,  for  deeply  was  he  grieved 
To  see  the  Greeks  give  way  before  the  host 
Of  Troy,  and  he  was  wroth  with  Jupiter. 
Both  gods  were  of  one  race,  and  owed  their  birth  433 
To  the  same  parents  ;  but  the  elder-born 
Was  Jupiter,  and  wiser.     For  that  cause 
Not  openly  did  Neptune  aid  the  Greeks, 
But,  as  by  stealth,  disguised  in  human  form, 
Moved  through  their  army  and  encouraged  them  «o 
To  combat.     Thus  it  was  the  potent  twain 
Each  drew,  with  equal  hand,  the  net  of  strife 
And  fearful  havoc,  which  no  power  could  break 
Or  loosen,  stretched  o'er  both  the  warring  hosts, 
And  laying  many  a  warrior  low  in  death.  443 

And  now,  although  his  brows  were  strewn  with  gray. 
Idomeneus,  encouraging  the  Greeks, 
Rushed  on  the  Trojans,  and  revived  the  fight. 


Book  XIII.  17 

He  slew  Orthryoneus,  who  just  before, 

Drawn  by  the  rumor  of  the  war,  had  left  450 

Cabesus,  and  now  made  a  lover's  suit 

For  Priam's  fairest  daughter.     Without  dower 

He  sought  to  wed  Cassandra,  promising 

A  vast  exploit,  —  to  drive  the  Greeks  from  Troy, 

In  spite  of  all  their  valor.     The  old  king  455 

Consented  that  the  maiden  should  be  his  ; 

And  now  he  fought,  and  trusted  to  fulfil 

His  promise.     But  Idomeneus  took  aim, 

And  cast  his  glittering  javelin  at  the  youth. 

It  struck  him  marching  proudly  on,  nor  stopped  46» 

The  weapon  at  the  brazen  mail,  but  pierced 

The  stomach.     With  a  clash  the  warrior  fell, 

And  thus  the  victor  boasted  over  him  :  — 

"  Orthryoneus,  I  deem  thee  worthy  of  praise 
Beyond  all  other  men,  if  thou  perform  465 

What  thou  hast  undertaken,  —  to  defend 
Dardanian  Priam,  who  has  promised  thee 
His  daughter.     We  would  make  a  compact  too, 
And  will  perform  it,  —  to  bestow  on  thee 
A  spouse,  the  fairest  daughter  of  the  house  470 

Of  Atreus'  son,  and  we  will  send  for  her 
To  Argos,  if  thou  join  us,  and  lay  waste 
The  well-built  Ilium.     Now,  then,  follow  me, 
And  at  the  ships  which  brought  us  we  will  treat 
Of  marriage,  and  will  make  no  niggard  terms."     475 

So  spake  Idomeneus,  and  dragged  the  slain 
Through  the  sharp  conflict  by  the  foot.     He  met 


18  The  Iliad. 

Asius,  who  walked  before  his  car,  and  came 
To  avenge  his  friend.     The  attending  charioteer 
Behind  him   reined    the  steeds,   that  they  should 
breathe  #.> 

Over  the  shoulders  of  their  lord,  who  sought 
To  smite  Idorneneus.     The  Greek  was  first 
To  strike  ;  he  plunged  the  spear  into  his  throat 
Below  the  chin,  and  drave  the  weapon  through. 
The  Trojan  fell  to  earth  as  falls  an  oak,  485 

Poplar,  or  stately  pine,  which  woodmen  fell 
With  their  sharp  axes  on  the  mountain-side, 
To  form  a  galley's  beam.     So  there  he  lay 
Stretched  out  before  his  coursers  and  his  car, 
And  gnashed  his  teeth,  and  clenched  the  bloody  dust. 
The  charioteer,  amazed,  and  losing  power  491 

Of  action,  dared  not  turn  the  horses  back 
To  bear  him  from  the  foe.     Antilochus 
The  warlike  cast  his  spear,  and  in  the  midst 
Transfixed  him.      Little  did  the  brazen  mail          4?s 
Avail  to  stay  the  blade,  which  cleft  its  way 
Into  the  stomach.     With  a  sudden  gasp 
He  toppled  from  the  sumptuous  chariot-seat, 
And  large-souled  Nestor's  son,  Antilochus, 
Drave  with  the  chariot  to  the  well-armed  Greeks.  s*> 
Deiphobus,  who  sorrowed  for  the  fate 
Of  Asius,  drawing  near  Idomeneus, 
Hurled  at  him  his  bright  spear.     The  Greek  beheld, 
As  face  to  face  they  stood,  and  scaped  the  stroke, 
Covered  by  his  round  shield,  two-handled,  strong,  =;<>= 


Book  XIII.  19 

With  bullocks'  hides  and  glittering  brass.     With  this 

He  hid  himself,  close  couched  within,  and  turned 

The  brazen  point  aside.     The  buckler  rang 

Shrilly ;  the  weapon  glanced  away,  yet  flew 

Not  vainly  from  the  Trojan's  powerful  hand  :         s«<> 

It  struck  Hypsenor,  son  of  Hippasus, 

The  shepherd  of  the  people,  on  the  side 

Where  lies  the  liver,  just  below  the  breast. 

His  knees  gave  way  ;  he  fell  ;  Deiphobus 

Thus  shouted  o'er  the  dead  his  empty  boast  :  —  ^ 

"  Not  unavenged  lies  Asius,  and  no  doubt, 
In  journeying  to  the  massy  gates  and  wall 
Of  Hades,  will  rejoice  that  I  have  sent 
A  soul  to  be  companion  of  his  way." 

He  spake  ;  and  at    his  boast   the   Greeks  were 
moved  520 

With  anger,  —  most  of  all  Antilochus 
The  warlike  ;  yet  he  left  not  to  the  foe 
His  slain  companion,  but  made  haste  to  hold 
His  shield  above  him.     His  beloved  friends, 
Mecisteus,  son  of  Echius,  and  the  prince  525 

Alastor,  lifted  up,  with  many  a  groan, 
The  corpse,  and  bore  it  to  the  roomy  ships. 

Meantime  the  valor  of  Idomeneus 
Remitted  not ;  he  vehemently  longed 
To  cover  many  a  Trojan  with  the  night  no 

Of  death,  or  fall  himself  with  clashing  arms, 
In  warring  to  defend  the  ships  of  Greece. 
The  brave  Alcathoiis,  the  beloved  son 


2O  The  Iliad. 

Of  ^Esyetus,  whom  Anchises  made 

His  son-in-law,  —  for  he  had  given  to  him  535 

Hippodameia,  eldest-born  of  all 

His  daughters,  whom  her  parents,  while  she  dwelt 

With  them,  loved  dearly,  fair  and  wise  beyond 

All  other  maidens  of  her  age,  and  skilled 

In  household  arts  ;  so  that  the  noblest  prince       540 

Of  the  broad  Trojan  kingdom  made  her  his  ;  — 

Him,  by  the  weapon  of  Idomeneus, 

Did  Neptune  bring  to  death.     The  sparkling  eyes 

Grew  dim,  and  stiffened  were  the  shapely  limbs, 

For  neither  could  he  flee  nor  turn  aside  ;  545 

But  as  he  stood  before  him,  column-like, 

Or  like  a  towering  tree,  Idomeneus 

Transfixed  him  in  the  bosom  with  his  spear 

The  brazen  coat  of  mail  gave  way,  which  oft 

Had  saved  him,  breaking  with  a  sharp,  shrill  sound 

Before  the  severing  blade.     He  fell  to  earth          55- 

With  noise  ;  the  spear  stood  planted  in  his  heart, 

And  as  he  panted  quivered  through  its  length, 

Yet  soon  its  murderous  force  was  spent  and  still. 

And  then  the  victor  boasted  thus  aloud  :  — 

"  Deiphobus,  does  this  appear  to  thee 
A  fair  return,  when  three  are  slain  for  one, 
Or  hast  thou  boasted  idly  ?     Yet  do  thou, 
Vain  as  thou  art,  stand  forth  and  face  me  here, 
And  I  will  teach  thee  of  what  race  I  am,  —  so 

An  offshoot  of  the  stock  of  Jove,  whose  son 
Was  Minos,  guardian  of  our  Crete,  and  he 


Book  XI IL  21 

Was  father  of  the  good  Deucalion. 

Deucalion's  son  am  I,  and  I  am  king 

O'er  many  men  in  the  broad  isle  of  Crete.  sf-s 

My  galleys  brought  me  thence  to  be  the  dread 

Of  thee,  .thy  father,  and  the  men  of  Troy." 

He  spake.     Deiphobus,  irresolute, 
Stood  doubting  whether  to  retreat  and  bring 
Some  other  of  the  heroic  sons  of  Troy  570 

To  aid  him,  or  to  try  the  fight  alone. 
As  thus  he  mused,  it  seemed  most  wise  to  seek 
/Eneas.     Him  he  found  withdrawn  among 
The  rear  of  the  army,  for  he  was  displeased 
With  noble  Priam,  who  had  paid  his  worth  575 

With  light  esteem.     Deiphobus  approached, 
And  thus  with  winged  words  accosted  him  :  — 

"  ^Eneas,  counsellor  of  Troy,  if  thou 
Hadst  ever  a  regard  to  him  who  was 
Thy  sister's  husband,  it  becomes  thee  now  580 

To  avenge  him.     Follow  me,  and  help  avenge 
Alcathoiis,  guardian  of  thy  tender  years, 
Slain  by  the  spear  of  famed  Idomeneus." 

He  spake  ;  and  at  his  words  ^Eneas  felt 
His  courage  rise.     Impatient  for  the  fight,  585 

He  went  to  meet  Idomeneus  ;  yet  fear 
Fell  not  upon  the  Greek  as  if  he  were 
A  puny  boy  :  he  stood  and  kept  his  ground. 
As,  when  a  mountain  boar,  unterrified, 
Waits  in  the  wilderness  the  hunter-crew,  590 

That  come  with  mighty  din,  his  bristly  back 


22  The  Iliad. 

Rises,  his  eyes  shoot  fire,  he  whets  his  tusks, 

And  fiercely  keeps  both  dogs  and  men  at  bay,  — 

So  did  Idomeneus,  expert  to  wield 

The  spear,  await  /Eneas  hastening  on  »s 

With  fury.     Not  a  backward  step  he  made, 

But  called  upon  his  warrior-friends  aloud, 

Looking  at  Aphareus,  Ascalaphus, 

Deipyrus,  Meriones,  and  last 

Antilochus,  all  skilled  in  arts  of  war, 

And  thus  exhorted  them  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Haste  hither,  O  my  friends,  and  bring  me  aid. 
I  stand  alone,  in  dread  of  the  approach 
Of  swift  ^Eneas,  who  comes  fiercely  on, 
Powerful  to  slay,  and  in  his  prime  of  youth,  605 

The  highest  vigor  of  the  human  frame. 
Yet,  were  our  years  the  same,  that  chief  or  T 
Would  quickly  triumph  at  the  other's  cost." 

He  spake,  and  all  with  one  accord  drew  near 
And  stood  by  him,  with  shields  obliquely  held      6»° 
Upon  their  shoulders.     On  the  other  side 
/Eneas  cheered  his  comrades  on.     He  fixed 
His  look  on  Paris,  and  Deiphobus, 
And  nobly  born  Agenor,  who,  like  him, 
Were  leaders  of  the  Trojans.     After  these  fas 

The  soldiers  followed,  as  the  thronging  flock 
Follow  the  ram  that  leads  them  to  the  fount 
From  pasture,  and  the  shepherd's  heart  is  pleased. 
So  was  ^Eneas  glad  at  heart  to  see 
The  multitude  of  warriors  following  him.  *» 


Rook  Xllf.  23 

Then  mingled  they  in  battle  hand  to  hand 
Around  Alcathoiis,  with  their  ponderous  spears, 
And  fearfully  upon  their  bosoms  rang 
The  brass,  as  through  the  struggling  crowd   they 

aimed 

Their  weapons  at  each  other.     Two  brave  men,    (a*, 
./Eneas  and  Idomeneus,  the  peers 
Of  Mars,  conspicuous  o'er  their  fellows,  strove 
With  cruel  brass  to  rend  each  other's  limbs. 
And  first  ^Eneas  cast  his  spear  to  smite 
Idomeneus,  who  saw  it  as  it  came,  <>•*> 

And  shunned  it.     Plunging  in  the  earth  beyond, 
It  stood  and  quivered  ;  it  had  left  in  vain 
The  Trojan's  powerful  hand.     Idomeneus  . 
Next  smote  (Enomaiis  :  the  spear  brake  through 
His  hollow  corselet  at  the  waist  ;  it  pierced  «3s 

And  drank  the  entrails  :  down  amid  the  dust 
He  fell,  and  grasped  the  earth  with  dying  hand. 
Idomeneus  plucked  forth  the  massy  spear, 
But,  pressed  by  hostile  weapons,  ventured  not 
To  strip  the  sumptuous  armor  from  the  dead  ;      64o 
Since  now  no  more  the  sinews  of  his  feet 
Were  firm  to  bear  him  rushing  to  retake 
His  spear,  or  start  aside  from  hostile  spears. 
Wherefore  in  standing  fight  he  warded  off 
The  evil  hour,  nor  trusted  to  his  feet  «4s 

To  bear  him  fleetly  from  the  field.     He  moved 
Slowly  away,  and  now  Deiphobus, 
Who  long  had  hated  him  and  bitterly, 


24  The  Iliad. 

Aimed  at  him  his  bright  spear ;  it  missed  its  mark, 
And  struck  Ascalaphus,  the  son  of  Mars. 
The  weapon  cleft  the  shoulder  of  the  Greek, 
Who  fell  amid  the  dust,  and  clenched  the  earth. 

Not  yet  the  clamorous  Mars,  of  passionate  mood, 
Had  heard  that  in  the  fray  his  son  was  slain  ; 
But  on  the  summit  of  the  Olympian  mount  655 

He  sat,  o'ercanopied  by  golden  clouds, 
Restrained  from  combat  by  the  will  of  Jove, 
With  other  gods,  forbidden,  like  himself, 
To  aid  the  combatants.     Meantime  around 
Ascalaphus  the  combat  hand  to  hand  «>o 

Still  raged.     Deiphobus  had  torn  away 
The  slain  man's  shining  helm,  when  suddenly 
Meriones  sprang  forward,  spear  in  hand, 
And  smote  him  on  the  arm  ;  the  wounded  limb 
Let  fall  the  helm,  resounding  as  it  fell,  KS 

And  with  a  vulture's  leap  Meriones 
Rushed  toward  him,  plucking  out  from  the  torn  flesh 
The  spear,  and  falling  back  among  the  crowd. 
Polites,  brother  of  the  wounded,  threw 
Both  arms  around  his  waist,  and  bore  him  off       6?0 
From  the  loud  din  of  conflict,  till  he  reached 
His  swift-paced  steeds,  that  waited  in  the  rear 
Of  battle,  with  their  chariot  nobly  wrought 
And  charioteer.     These  took  him  back  to  Troy, 
Heavily  groaning  and  in  pain,  the  blood  675 

Yet  gushing  from  the  newly  wounded  limb. 

Still  fought  the  other  warriors,  and  the  noise 


Book  XIII.  25 

Of  a  perpetual  tumult  filled  the  air. 

^neas,  rushing  upon  Aphareus, 

Caletor's  son,  who  turned  to  face  him,  thrust         <%° 

A  sharp  spear  through  his  throat.     With  drooping 

head, 

And  carrying  shield  and  helmet  to  the  ground, 
He  fell,  and  rendered  up  his  soul  in  death. 
Antilochus,  as  Thoon  turned  away, 
Attacked  and  smote  him,  cutting  off  the  vein        as 
That  passes  through  the  body  to  the  neck. 
This  he  divided  sheer ;  the  warrior  fell 
Backward,  and  lay  in  dust,  with  hands  outstretched 
To  his  beloved  friends.     Antilochus 
Flew  to  the  slain,  and  from  his  shoulders  stripped  690 
The  armor,  casting  cautious  glances  round  ; 
While  toward  him  pressed  the  Trojans  on  all  sides, 
Striking  the  fair  broad  buckler  with  their  darts, 
Yet  could  not  even  score  with  pointed  brass 
The  tender  skin  of  Nestor's  son  ;  for  still  695 

Neptune,  the  shaker  of  the  sea-coast,  kept 
Watch  o'er  him  while  the  weapons  round  him  show 
ered. 

Yet  he  withdrew  not  from  his  foes,  but  moved 
Among  the  crowd,  nor  idle  was  his  spear, 
But  wielded  right  and  left,  and  still  he  watched     i*> 
With  resolute  mind  the  time  to  strike  the  foe 
At  distance,  or  assault  him  near  at  hand. 

The  son  of  Asius,  Adamas,  beheld 
The  hero  meditating  thus,  and  struck, 

VOL.  n. 


26  The  Iliad. 

In  close  attack,  the  middle  of  his  shield 

With  a  sharp  brazen  spear.     The  dark-haired  god 

Who  rules  the  deep  denied  to  Adamas 

The  life  he  sought,  and  weakened  the  hard  stroke. 

Part  of  the  Trojan's  weapon,  like  a  stake 

Hardened  by  fire,  stood  fixed  within  the  shield,    ;« 

Tart  lay  on  earth,  and  he  who  cast  it  slunk 

Among  his  comrades  to  avoid  his  fate. 

Meriones,  pursuing  with  his  spear, 

Smote  him  between  the  navel  and  the  groin, 

Where  deadliest  are  the  wounds  in  battle  given     -15 

To  man's  unhappy  race.     He  planted  there 

The  cruel  blade,  and  Adamas,  who  fell, 

Writhed  panting  round  it,  as  a  bullock  bound 

By  cowherds  on  the  mountain  with  strong  cords 

Pants  as  they  lead  him  off  against  his  will. 

So  wounded,  Adamas  drew  heavy  breath, 

And  yet  not  long.     The  brave  Meriones, 

Approaching,  plucked  the  weapon  forth,  and  night 

Came  o'er  the  eyes  of  Adamas.     At  hand 

Stood  Helenas,  and  struck  Deipyrus  725 

Upon  the  temple  with  his  ponderous  sword, 

Of  Thracian  make,  and  cut  the  three-coned  helm 

Away,  and  dashed  it  to  the  ground  ;  it  rolled 

Between  a  Grecian  warrior's  feet,  who  stooped 

And  took  it  up,  while  o'er  its  owner's  eyes  no 

The  darkness  gathered.     Grieved  at  this,  the  son 

Of  Atreus,  Menelaus  great  in  war, 

Rushed  forward,  threatening  royal  Helenus. 


Book  XI i I.  .>/ 

He  brandished  his  sharp  spear  ;  the  Trojan  drew 

His  bow  ;  advancing,  one  to  hurl  a  lance, 

And  one  to  send  an  arrow.      Priam's  son 

Let  fly  a  shaft  at  Menelaus'  breast. 

The  bitter  missile  from  the  hollow  mail 

Glanced  off.    As  when  from  the  broad  winnowing-fan 

On  some  wide  threshing-floor  the  swarthy  beans,  740 

Or  vetches,  bound  before  the  whistling  wind 

And  winnower's  force,  so,  bounding  from  the  mail 

Of  gallant  Menelaus,  flew  afar 

The  bitter  shaft.     Then  Menelaus,  great 

In  battle,  smote  the  hand  of  Helenus  745 

That  held  the  polished  bow  ;  the  brazen  spear 

Passed  through  the  hand,  and  reached  the  bow,  and 

there 

Stood  fixed,  while  Helenus,  avoiding  death, 
Drew  back  among  his  comrades,  with  his  hand 
Held  low,  and  trailing  still  the  ashen  stem.  750 

Magnanimous  Agenor  from  the  wound 
Drew  forth  the  blade,  and  wrapped  the  hand  in  wool, 
Carefully  twisted,  taken  from  a  sling 
Carried  by  an  attendant  of  the  chief. 

To  meet  the  glorious  Menelaus  sprang  755 

Pisander,  led  by  his  unhappy  fate 
To  perish,  Menelaus  !  by  thy  hand 
In  that  fierce  conflict.     When  the  two  wert  near, 
Advancing  toward  each  other,  Atreus'  son 
Took  aim  amiss  ;  his  spear  flew  far  aside.  & 

Pisander  smote  the  buckler  on  the  arm 


2S  The  Iliad. 

Of  mighty  Menelaus,  yet  drave  not 

The  weapon  through.     The  broad  shield  stopped  its 

force, 

And  broke  it  at  the  neck  :  yet  hoped  he  still 
For  victory,  and  exulted.     Then  the  son  "765 

Of  Atreus  drew  his  silver-studded  sword 
And  sprang  upon  his  foe,  who  from  beneath 
His  buckler  took  a  brazen  battle-axe, 
With  a  long  stem  of  polished  olive-wood. 
Both  struck  at  once.     Pisander  hewed  away,         r» 
Below  the  crest,  the  plumed  helmet-cone 
Of  Atreus'  son,  who  smote,  above  the  nose, 
Pisander's  forehead,  crashing  through  the  bones. 
Both  bleeding  eyes  dropped  to  the  ground  amid 
The  dust ;  he  fell  ;  he  writhed  ;  the  conqueror,     775 
Advancing,  set  his  heel  upon  his  breast, 
And  stripped  the  armor  off,  and,  boasting,  said  :  — 
"Thus  shall  ye  leave  unharmed  the  fleet   that 

brought 

The  knights  of  Greece,  ye  treaty-breaking  sons 
Of  Ilium,  never  satisfied  with  war!  ?s° 

Yet  lack  ye  not  still  other  guilt  and  shame,  - 
Wrong  done  to  me,  ye  dogs  !     Ye  have  not  feared 
The  wrath  of  Hospitable  Jove,  who  flings 
The  thunder,  and  will  yet  destroy  your  to\vn> 
With  all  its  towers,  —  ye  who,  without  a  cause,     785 
Bore  off  my  youthful  bride,  and  heaps  of  wealth, 
When  she  had  given  you  welcome  as  our  guests. 
And  now  ye  seek  to  burn  with  fire  the  fleet 


Book  XIII.  29 

With  which  we  cross  the  ocean,  and  to  slay 

The  Grecian  heroes.     Ye  shall  yet  be  forced,        790 

Eager  for  battle  as  ye  are,  to  pause. 

O  Fatl"  er  Jupiter,  who  hast  the  praise 

Of  highest  wisdom  among  gods  and  men  ! 

All  this  is  of  thy  ordering.     How  hast  thou 

Favored  this  arrogant  crew  of  Troy,  in  love  79* 

With  violence,  who  never  have  enough 

Of  war  and  all  its  many  miseries  ! 

All  other  things  soon  satisfy  desire,  — 

Sleep,  love,  and  song,  and  graceful  dance,  which 

most 

Delight  in  more  than  warlike  toils,  — yet  they      &» 
Of  Troy  are  never  satisfied  with  war." 

So  spake  the  illustrious  man,  and,  having  stripped 
The  bloody  armor  from  the  dead,  he  gave 
The  spoil  to  his  companions,  and  rejoined 
The  warriors  in  the  van.     Harpalion  then,  805 

A  son  of  King  Pylasmenes,  with  whom 
He  left  his  home  to  join  the  war  at  Troy, 
Assaulted  him.     He  never  saw  again 
His  native  land.     Close  to  Atrides'  shield, 
He  struck  it  in  the  centre  with  his  lance,  8i« 

Yet  could  not  drive  the  weapon  through  the  brass, 
And  backward  shrank,  in  fear  of  death,  among 
His  comrades,  looking  round  him  lest  some  foe 
Should  wound  him  with  the  spear.     Meriones 
Le;  fly  a  brazen  arrow  after  him,  815 

Which,  entering  his  right  flank  below  the  bone, 


30  The  Iliad. 

Passed  through  and  cleft  the  bladder.  Down  he  sank 

\Vhere  the  shaft  struck  him,  breathing  out  his  life 

In  the  arms  of  his  companions.     Like  a  worm 

He  lay  extended  on  the  earth  ;  his  blood  «?« 

Gushed  forth,  a  purple  stream,  and  steeped  the  soil. 

The  large-souled  Paphlagonians  came  around, 

And  placed  him  in  a  chariot,  sorrowing, 

And  bore  him  to  the  gates  of  sacred  Troy. 

The  father  followed  weeping,  but  no  hand  805 

Was  raised  to  avenge  the  slaughter  of  his  son. 

Yet  deeply  moved  was  Paris  at  his  death, 
For  he  had  been  Harpalion's  guest  among 
The  Paphlagonians.     Grieving  for  the  slain, 
He  sent  a  brazen  arrow  from  his  bow.  ssc 

Now  there  was  one  Euchenor,  rich  and  brave, 
The  son  of  Polyi'dus,  hoary  seer  ; 
His  dwelling  was  in  Corinth,  and  he  came, 
Forewarned  and  conscious  of  his  fate,  to  Troy; 
For  often  Polyi'dus,  good  old  man,  835 

Warned  him  that  he  within  his  palace  halls 
Should  perish  by  a  grievous  malady, 
Or  else  be  slain  by  Trojan  hands  beside 
The  Grecian  fleet.     So,  to  escape  at  once 
The  censure  of  the  Achaians  and  disease,  840 

He  came,  lest  he  in  after  times  might  rue 
His  choice.     And  now  between  the  jaw  and  ear 
Did  Paris  smite  him  ;  from  the  warrior's  limbs 
Life  fled,  and  darkness  gathered  o'er  his  eyes. 

And  then  they  fought  ;  like  a  devouring  fire      s4j 


Book  XITL  31 

That  battle  was  ;  but  Hector,  dear  to  Jove, 

Had  not  yet  learned  that  on  the  left  the  Greeks 

Made  havoc  of  his  men  ;  for  in  that  hour 

The  Greeks  had  almost  made  the  victory  theirs, 

So  greatly  had  the  god  who  shakes  the  shores       850 

Kindled  their  courage,  and  with  his  own  arm 

Brought  timely  aid.     Still  Hector,  pressing  on 

Where  first  he  leaped  within  the  gates  and  wall, 

Broke  the  close  phalanxes  of  shielded  Greeks. 

There,  ranged  beside  the  hoary  deep,  the  ships     855 

Of  Ajax  and  Protesilaus  lay. 

The  wall  that  guarded  them  was  low,  and  there 

Warriors  and  steeds  in  fiercest  conflict  met ; 

There  the  Boeotians,  there  in  their  long  robes 

The  laonians,  there  the  Locrians,  there  seo 

The  men  of  Phthia,  and  the  Epeians  famed 

For  valor,  held  back  Hector,  struggling  on 

To  reach  the  ships,  yet  found  they  had  no  power 

To  drive  the  noble  warrior  from  the  ground, 

For  he  was  like  a  flame.     The  chosen  men  865 

Of  Athens  formed  the  van.     Menestheus,  son 

Of  Peteus,  was  their  leader,  after  whom 

Phidas  and  Stichius  followed,  and  with  them 

The  gallant  Bias.     Meges,  Phyleus'  son. 

With  Dracius  and  Amphion,  marshalled  there       a-? 

The  Epeians  ;  while  the  Phthian  band  were  led 

By  Medon  and  Podarces,  warlike  chief. 

And  Medon  was  the  great  O'ileus'  son, 

And  brother  of  the  lesser  Ajax,  born 


32  Tlie  lima. 

Without  the  tie  of  wedlock,  and  he  dwelt  *?s 

Far  from  his  native  land,  in  Phylace; 

For  by  his  violent  hand  the  brother  died 

Of  Eryopis,  whom  Oileus  made 

His  lawful  spouse.     Podarces  was  the  son 

Of  Iphiclus,  and  dwelt  in  Phylace.  ^ 

These,  at  the  head  of  Phthia's  valiant  youth, 

And  cased  in  massive  armor,  fought  beside 

Bceotia's  warriors  for  the  Grecian  fleet. 

But  Ajax  swift  of  foot,  Oileus'  son, 
From  him  of  Telamon  departed  not  &$ 

Even  for  an  instant.     As  when  two  black  steers 
Of  equal  vigor  o'er  a  fallow  draw 
The  strongly  jointed  plough,  till  near  their  horns 
Streams  the  warm  sweat ;  the  polished  yoke  alone 
Holds  them  asunder,  as  they  move  along 
The  furrow,  and  the  share  divides  the  soil 
That  lies  between  them  ;  —  so  the  heroic  twain 
Kept  near  each  other.     Many  men  and  brave 
Followed  to  Troy  the  son  of  Telamon 
As  his  companions,  and,  when  weariness  895 

Came  o'er  his  sweaty  limbs,  relieved  their  chief 
Of  his  broad  buckler.     But  the  Locrian  host 
Attended  not  Oileus'  great-souled  son, 
Nor  could  they  ever  venture  to  engage 
In  combat  hand  to  hand.     No  brazen  helms         900 
Were  theirs,  with  horse-hair  plumes,  noorbed  shields, 
Nor  ashen  spears.     They  came  with  him  to  Troy, 
Trusting  in  their  good  bows,  and  in  their  slings 


'  Book  XIII.  S3 

Of  twisted  wool,  from  which  they  showered  afar 
-Stones  that  dispersed  the  phalanxes  of  Troy.         005 
The  chieftains  Ajax,  warring  in  the  van, 
Clad  in  their  shining  armor,  fought  to  check 
The  Trojans  and  their  leader,  brazen-mailed, 
While  in  the  rear  the  Locrians  lurked  unseen, 
And  sent  their  shafts,  so  that  the  men  of  Troy,     9-° 
All  order  lost,  were  fain  to  cease  from  fight. 

Then  had  the  Trojans  from  the  ships  and  tents 
Turned  back,  and  fled,  with  fearful  loss  of  life, 
To  lofty  Ilium,  if  Polyclamas 
Had  not  accosted  valiant  Hector  thus  : —  9-5 

"  Hector,  thou  hearkenest  not  to  warning  words. 
Deem'st  thou,  because  a  god  has  given  thee  strength 
Beyond  all  other  men  for  feats  of  war, 
That  therefore  thou  art  wiser  than  they  all 
In  council?     Think  not  for  thyself  to  claim  <p» 

All  gifts  at  once.     On  one  the  god  bestows 
Prowess  in  war,  upon  another  grace 
In  dance,  upon  another  skill  to  touch 
The  harp  and  sing.     In  yet  another,  Jove 
The  Thunderer  implants  the  prudent  mind,  925 

By  which  the  many  profit,  and  by  which 
Communities  are  saved  ;  and  well  doth  he 
Who  hath  it  know  its  worth.     Now  let  me  speak 
What  seems  to  me  the  wisest.      Round  thee  flames 
The  encircling  w:ar  ;  the  valiant  sons  of  Troy,        <iv> 
Since  they  have  crossed  the  ramparts,  stand  aloof, 
Armed  as  they  are,  or  fight  against  large  odds 

2*  C 


34  •     The  Iliad. 

Scattered  among  the  galleys.     Yield  thou  now 

The  ground,  and,  summoning  the  chiefs,  decide 

What  plan  to  follow,  —  whether  we  shall  storm     935 

The  well-oared  galleys,  should  the  God  vouchsafe 

The  victory  to  us,  —  or  else  depart 

In  safety  from  the  fleet.     I  greatly  fear 

The  Achaians  may  repay  to  us  the  debt 

Of  yesterday.     There  yet  is  at  the  fleet  940 

One  who,  I  think,  no  longer  will  refrain 

Wholly  from  battle."     Thus  Polydamas 

Spake,  and  the  sage  advice  pleased  Hector  well, 

Who,  leaping  from  his  chariot  to  the  ground, 

With  all  his  weapons,  said  these  winged  words :  — 

"  Remain  with  all  the  bravest  warriors  here,      946 
Polydamas,  while  I  depart  to  give 
The  due  commands,  and  instantly  return." 

He  spake,  and  with  a  shout  he  rushed  away, 
Seen  from  afar,  like  a  snow-mountain's  peak,         95° 
And  flew  among  the  Trojans  and  allies, 
Who  crowded  round  the  brave  Polydamas, 
The  son  of  Panthous,  at  Hector's  call. 
Among  the  foremost  combatants  he  sought 
Deiphobus,  and  mighty  Helenus,  955 

The  king  ;  he  looked  for  Adamas,  the  son 
Of  Asius,  and  for  Asius  of  the  house 
Of  Hyrtacus.      Some  not  unharmed  he  found, 
Vet  not  o'ercome ;  while  others  lay  in  death 
Beneath  the  galley-sterns,  where  Grecian  hands     960 
Had  slain  them  ;  others  on  the  wall,  struck  down 


Book  XIII.  35 

By  missiles,  or  in  combat  hand  to  hand. 

There  on  the  left  of  that  disastrous  fray 

He  met  the  noble  Alexander,  spouse 

Of  fair-haired  Helen,  as  he  cheered  his  men,         965 

And  rallied  them  to  battle.     Hector  thus 

Addressed  his  brother  with  reproachful  words  :  — 

"  Accursed  Paris  .'  noble  but  in  form, 
Effeminate  seducer  !  where  are  now 
Deiphobus,  and  mighty  Helenus  ?  97° 

And  Adamas,  the  son  of  Asius,  where  ? 
And  Asius,  son  of  Hyrtacus  ?  and  where 
Orthryoneus  ?     Now  towering  Ilium  sinks 
From  her  high  summit,  and  thy  fate  is  sure." 
And  then  the  godlike  Paris  answered  thus  :  —      975 

"  Since  it  hath  pleased  thee,  Hector,  thus  to  cast 
Reproach  on  me,  though  innocent,  I  may 
Another  day  neglect  the  toils  of  war, 
Although  in  truth  my  mother  brought  me  forth 
Not  quite  unapt  for  combat.     Since  the  hour        980 
When  thou  didst  lead  the  battle  to  the  ships 
With  thy  companions,  we  have  held  our  ground, 
Here  on  this  spot,  contending  with  the  Greeks. 
Three  chiefs  for  whom  thou  askest  have  been  slain. 
Deiphobus  and  mighty  Helenus,  985 

Both  wounded  In  the  hand  by  massive  spears, 
Have  left  the  field  ;  the  son  of  Saturn  saved 
Their  lives.     Now  lead  us  wheresoe'er  thou  wilt, 
And  we  will  follow  thee  with  resolute  hearts, 
Nor  deem  that  thou  wilt  find  in  us  a  lack  99° 


36  The  Iliad. 

Of  valor  while  our  strength  of  arm  remains. 
The  boldest  cannot  fight  beyond  his  strength." 

With  such  persuasive  words  the  warrior  calmed 
His  brother's  anger,  and  they  went  where  raged 
The  hottest  conflict  round  Cebriones,  995 

Phalces,  Orthceus,  and  the  excellent 
Polydamas,  \\ith  Palmys  at  his  side, 
And  Polyphcetes,  godlike  in  his  form, 
And  where  Ascanius  and  Morys  fought, 
Sons  of  Hippotion.      They  the  day  before  «»• 

Came  marching  from  Ascania's  fertile  fields, 
Moved  by  the  will  of  Jove  to  share  the  war. 
All  these  swept  on,  as  when  a  hurricane, 
A  thunder-gust,  from    Father  Jupiter 
Bufiets  the  plain,  and  mingles  with  the  deep,         i<x>5 
In  mighty  uproar,  and  the  billows  rise 
All  over  the  resounding  brine,  and  swell, 
Whitening  with  foam,  and  chase  each  other  on. 
So  moved  the  Trojans  on,  man  after  man, 
In  close  array,  all  armed  in  glittering  brass,          IMO 
Following  their  generals.     Hector,  Priam's  son, 
And  peer  of  Mars  in  battle,  led  the  van, 
His  round  shield  held  before  him,  tough  with  hides 
And  overlaid  with  brass.     Upon  his  brow 
The  gleaming  helmet  nodded  as  he  moved.          i«s 
On  every  side  he  tried  the  phalanxes, 
If  haply  they  might  yield  to  his  assault, 
Made  from  beneath  that  buckler  ;  out  the  Greeks 
In  spirit  or  in  order  wavered  not. 


Book  XIII.  37 

And  Ajax,  striding  forth,  defied  him  thus  :—        .o^ 
"  Draw  nearer,  friend  !     Think'st  thou  to  frighten 

thus 

The  Greeks  ?     We  are  not  quite  so  inexpert 
In  war,  although  so  cruelly  chastised 
By  Jupiter.     Thou  thinkest  in  thy  heart 
That  thou  shalt  make  our  ships  thy  spoil ;  but  we  1025 
Have  also  our  strong  arms  to  drive  thee  back, 
And  far  more  soon  the  populous  town  of  Troy, 
Captured  and  sacked,  shall  fall  by  Grecian  hands. 
And  now  I  warn  thee  that  the  hour  is  near 
When,  fleeing,  thou  shalt  pray  to  Father  Jove      io30 
And  all  the  immortals,  that  thy  long-maned  steeds, 
Bearing  thee  townward  mid  a  cloud  of  dust 
Along  the  plain,  may  be  more  swift  than  hawks." 

As  thus  he  spake,  an  eagle,  to  the  right, 
High  in  the  middle  heaven,  flew  over  him,  1035 

And,  gladdened  by  the  omen,  all  the  Greeks 
Shouted  ;  but  then  illustrious  Hector  spake  :  — 

"  Babbler  and  boaster,  what  wild  words  are  these? 
O  Ajax  !  would  that  I  were  but  as  sure 
To  be  the  child  of  aegis-bearing  Jove,  1040 

Brought  forth  by  Juno  the  august,  and  held 
In  honor  everywhere  like  that  which  crowns 
Apollo  and  Minerva,  as  I  know 
That  to  the  Greeks  this  very  day  will  bring 
Destruction,  and  that  thou  shalt  also  lie  ro,, 

Slain  with  the  others,  if  thou  dare  abide 
The  stroke  of  my  long  spear,  which  yet  shall  tear 


38  The  Iliad. 

Thy  dainty  flesh,  and  thou,  with  thy  full  limbs, 
Shalt  be  the  feast  of  Trojan  dogs  and  birds, 
Unburied  by  the  galleys  of  the  Greeks." 

So  Hector  spake,  and  led  his  warriors  on. 
They  followed  with  a  mighty  shout ;  the  rear 
Sent  up  as  loud  a  cry.     On  the  other  side 
Shouted  the  Greeks,  nor  intermitted  now 
Their  wonted  valor,  but  stood  firm  to  breast 
The  onset  of  the  chosen  men  of  Troy. 
The  mingled  clamor  of  both  hosts  went  up 
To  heaven,  and  to  the  shining  seat  of  Jove. 


BOOK    XIV. 

A  I  ^HE  mighty  uproar  was  not  unperceived 

-JL     By  Nestor's  ear,  who,  sitting  at  the  wine, 
Addressed  the  son  of  ^sculapius  thus  :  — 

"  Noble  Machaon,  what  will  happen  now  ? 
Bethink  thee  :  for  the  clamor  grows  more  loud        s 
From  our  young  warriors  at  the  ships.     Stay  here 
And  drink  the  purple  wine,  while  for  thy  limbs 
The  fair-haired  Hecamede  warms  the  bath 
And  washes  the  dark  blood  away,  and  I 
Will  climb  the  watch-tower,  and  will  know  the  worst." 
He  spake,  and  took  a  buckler,  fairly  wrought,    » 
Glittering  with  brass,  and  left  within  the  tent 
By  Thrasymedes,  his  own  knightly  son, 


Book  XIV.  39 

Who  to  the  war  had  borne  his  father's  shield  ; 
He  grasped  a  ponderous  spear,  with  brazen  blade,  >s 
And  stood  without  the  tent,  and  saw  a  sight 
Of  shame,  —  the  routed  Greeks,  and  close  behind 
The  haughty  Trojans  putting  them  to  flight, 
And  the  Greek  wall  o'erthrown.     As  when  the  face 
Of  the  great  deep  grows  dark  with  weltering  waves, 
That  silently  forbode  the  swift  descent  « 

Of  the  shrill  blast,  the  yet  uncertain  seas 
Roll  not  to  either  side,  till  from  the  seat 
Of  Jupiter  comes  down  the  violent  wind, — 
So  paused  the  aged  chief,  uncertain  yet  ^ 

Of  purpose,  —  whether  he  should  join  the  throng 
Of  Greeks,  with  their  swift  coursers,  or  repair 
To  sovereign  Agamemnon,  Atreus'  son. 
This  to  his  thought  seemed  wiser,  and  he  went 
To  seek  Atrides.     Meantime  both  the  hosts  30 

Urged  on  the  work  of  slaughter  ;  still  they  fought, 
And  still  the  solid  brass  upon  their  limbs 
Rang,  smitten  with  the  swords  and  two-edged  spears. 
Then,  coming  from  the  fleet,  the  wounded  kings, 
Nurslings  of  Jove,  met  Nestor;  toward  him  came  35 
Tydides,  and  Ulysses,  and  the  son 
Of  Atreus,  Agamemnon.     On  the  beach 
Of  the  gray  deep  their  ships  were  ranged  afar 
From  that  fierce  conflict.     There  the  Greeks  had 
drawn,  39 

To  the  plain's  edge,  the  first  that  touched  the  land, 
And  built  a  rampart  at  their  sterns.     Though  long 


40  The  Iliad. 

The  shore-line,  it  sufficed  not  to  contain 

The  galleys,  and  the  host  had  scanty  room  ; 

Wherefore  they  drew  the  galleys  up  in  rows, 

Row  behind  row,  and  rilled  the  shore's  wide  mouth 

Between  the  promontories.     There  the  kings          * 

Walked,  leaning  on  their  lances,  to  behold 

The  tumult  and  the  fight,  and  inly  grieved. 

The  sight  of  aged  Nestor  startled  them, 

And  thus  the  royal  Agamemnon  spake  : —  .« 

"  Neleian  Nestor,  glory  of  the  Greeks, 
Why  hast  thou  left  the  murderous  fray,  and  why 
Come  hither  ?     Much  I  fear  the  fiery  chief, 
Hector,  will  make  the  menace  good  which  once 
He  uttered,  speaking  to  the  men  of  Troy,  —          55 
Not  to  return  to  Ilium  from  the  fleet 
Till  he  had  burned  our  ships  with  fire,  and  slain 
Us  also  ;  thus  he  spake,  and  now  fulfils 
His  menace.     O  ye  gods  !  the  other  Greeks, 
And  not  Achilles  only,  cherish  hate  &> 

Against  me  in  their  hearts,  and  now  refuse 
To  combat  even  where  our  galleys  lie." 

And  Nestor,  the  Gerenian  knight,  replied  :  — 
"  Thus  is  the  threat  accomplished,  nor  can  Jove 
The  Thunderer  reverse  the  event.     The  wall          65 
In  which  we  trusted  as  impregnable, 
Our  fleet's  defence  and  ours,  is  overthrown  ; 
But  obstinately  still  the  Greeks  maintain 
The  combat  at  the  ships,  nor  couldst  thou  now 
Distinguish  with  thy  sharpest  sight  where  most      r« 


Book  XIV.  41 

'The  ranks  are  routed,  so  confusedly 

They  fall,  and  the  wild  uproar  reaches  heaven. 

Meantime  consult  we  what  may  yet  be  done, 

If  counsel  aught  avail ;  yet  can  I  not 

Advise  to  mingle  in  the  strife  again.  75 

It  is  not  meet  that  wounded  men  should  fight." 

And  then  the  royal  Agamemnon  said  :  — 
"  Since  at  our  ships,  beneath  their  very  sterns, 
The  combat  rages  ;  since  the  wall  we  built 
Avails  not,  nor  the  trench,  at  which  the  Greeks     so 
Labored  and  suffered,  hoping  it  might  be 
A  sure  defence  for  us  and  for  our  fleet, 
Certain  it  is  that  to  Almighty  Jove 
It  hath  seemed  good  that  here  the  Greeks,  afar 
From  Argos,  should  be  shamefully  cut  off;  ^ 

For  well  was  I  aware  when  he  designed 
To  aid  the  Greeks,  and  well  can  I  perceive 
That  he  is  honoring  now  the  men  of  Troy 
Like  to  the  blessed  gods,  and  fettering 
Our  valor  and  our  hands.     Hear  my  advice,          <*> 
And  follow  it.     Let  us  draw  down  the  ships 
Nearest  the  sea,  and  launch  them  on  the  deep, 
And  moor  them,  anchored,  till  the  lonely  night 
Shall  come,  when,  if  the  Trojans  pause  from  war, 
Haply  we  may  draw  down  the  other  barks  ;  95 

For  he  who  flees  from  danger,  even  by  night, 
Deserves  no  blame  ;  and  better  is  his  fate 
Who  flees  from  harm  than  his  whom  harm  o'ertakes." 

Then  wise  Ulysses,  with  steri  look,  replied  :  — 


42  The  Iliad, 

"  What  words,  Atrides,  have  escaped  thy  lips  ?      i<» 
Unhappy  man,  thou  shouldst  have  held  command 
O'er  some  effeminate  army,  and  not  ours,  — 
Ours  to  whom  Jupiter,  from  youth  to  age, 
Hath  granted  to  accomplish  difficult  wars, 
Until  we  pass  away.     And  wouldst  thou  then        *°s 
Depart  from  Troy,  the  city  of  broad  streets, 
For  which  we  have  endured  so  much  and  long? 
Nay,  be  thou  silent,  lest  the  other  Greeks 
Hear  words  that  never  should  be  said  by  one 
Who  knows  to  speak  with  wisdom,  and  who  bears  "° 
The  sceptre,  and  who  rules  so  many  Greeks 
As  thou  dost.     I  contemn  with  rny  whole  soul 
The  counsel  thou  hast  given,  commanding  us, 
While  yet  the  battle  rages,  to  draw  down 
Our  good  ships  to  the  sea,  that  so  the  foe  ^ 

May  see  his  wish  more  easily  fulfilled, 
Even  in  the  hour  of  triumph,  and  our  fate 
Be  certain  ruin  ;  for  the  Greeks  no  more 
Will  combat  when  they  draw  their  galleys  down, 
But,  looking  backward  to  the  shore,  will  leave       1*0 
The  battle  there  ;  and  thus,  O  king  of  men  ! 
Will  mischief  flow  from  what  thou  counsellest." 
And  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,  rejoined  :  — 
"  Thou  touchest  me,  Ulysses,  to  the  heart 
With  thy  harsh  censure  ;  yet  I  did  not  give  '=5 

Command  to  drag  our  good  ships  to  the  sea, 
Against  the  will  of  the  Greeks.     And  would  there 
were 


Book  XIV.  43 

Some  other,  young  or  old,  to  counsel  them 
More  prudently,  for  that  would  please  me  well." 

Then  spake  the  great  in  battle,  Diomed  :  —       130 
"The  man  is  here,  nor  have  ye  far  to  look 
If  ye  will  be  persuaded,  and  refrain 
To  blame  me  angrily,  because  my  years 
Are  fewest  midst  you  all.     I  too  can  boast 
Of  noble  birth  ;  my  father,  Tydeus,  lies  135 

Buried  beneath  a  mound  of  earth  at  Thebes. 
To  Portheus  three  illustrious  sons  were  born, 
Who  dwelt  in  Pleuron,  and  in  Calydon 
The  lofty,  —  Agrius,  Melas,  and  the  knight, 
My  father's  father,  CEneus,  eminent  HO 

Among  the  rest  for  valor  ;  he  remained 
At  home,  but,  wandering  thence,  my  father  went 
To  Argos,  for  the  will  of  Jove  was  such,  — 
Jove  and  the  other  gods.     He  wedded  there 
A  daughter  of  Adrastus,  and  he  dwelt  us 

Within  a  mansion  filled  with  wealth  ;  broad  fields 
Fertile  in  corn  were  his,  and  many  rows 
Of  trees  and  vines  around  him  ;  large  his  flocks, 
And  great  his  fame  as  one  expert  to  wield, 
Beyond  all  other  Greeks,  the  spear  in  war.  150 

This  should  ye  know,  for  this  is  true  ;  nor  yet 
Contemn  my  counsel  given  with  careful  thought 
And  for  your  good,  nor  deem  it  comes  from  one 
Unwarlike  and  low-born.     Now  let  us  join 
The  battle,  wounded  as  we  are,  for  much  155 

It  needs  our  presence,  keeping  carefully 


44  '  The  Iliad. 

Beyond  the  reach  of  weapons,  to  avoid 
Wound  upon  wound,  and,  cheering  on  the  rest, 
Send  back  into  the  combat  those  who  stand 
Apart,  indulgent  to  their  weariness."  I& 

He  spake  :  they  hearkened,  and  with  hasty  steps 
Went  on,  King  Agamemnon  at  their  head. 

Nor  was  the  glorious  power  that  shakes  the  earth 
Unmindful  of  his  charge.     He  went  among 
The  warriors  in  the  semblance  of  a  man  165 

Stricken  in  years,  and,  seizing  the  right  hand 
Of  Agamemnon,  spake  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  O  son  of  Atreus,  the  revengeful  heart 
Of  Peleus'  son  must  leap  within  his  breast 
For  joy,  to  see  the  slaughter  and  the  rout  »?° 

Of  the  Achaians,  since  with  him  there  dwells 
No  touch  of  pity.     May  he  perish  too, 
Like  us,  and  may  some  god  o'erwhelm  his  name 
With  infamy.     With  thee  the  blessed  gods 
Are  not  so  far  incensed,  and  thou  shalt  see  '73 

The  Trojan  chiefs  and  princes  of  their  host 
Raising  the  dust-clouds  on  the  spacious  plain 
In  fleeing  from  our  ships  and  tents  to  Troy." 

He  spake,  and,  shouting,  strode  across  the  field. 
As  loud  a  cry  as  from  nine  thousand  men,  iso 

Or  from  ten  thousand  hurrying  to  engage 
In  battle,  such  the  cry  that  ocean's  king 
Uttered  from  his  deep  lungs.     It  woke  anew 
Invincible  resolve  in  every  heart 
Among  the  Greeks  to  combat  to  the  end.  ««5 


Book  XIV.  45 

Now,  Juno  of  the  golden  throne  beheld 
As,  standing  on  the  Olympian  height,  she  cast 
Downward  her  eyes  to  where  her  brother  moved, 
Bearing  his  part  with  glory  in  the  fray  ; 
And  inly  she  rejoiced.     She  also  saw  .*. 

Jove  on  the  peak  of  Ida,  down  whose  side 
Glide  many  brooks,  and  greatly  was  displeased. 
Then  the  majestic  goddess  with  large  eyes 
Mused  how  to  occupy  the  mind  of  him 
Who  bears  the  aegis.     This  at  length  seemed  best : 
To  deck  herself  in  fair  array,  and  haste  196 

To  Ida,  that  the  God  might  haply  yield 
To  amorous  desire,  and  in  that  hour 
Her  hand  might  pour  into  his  lids,  and  o'er 
His  watchful  mind,  a  soft  and  pleasant  sleep.        **> 
She  went  to  her  own  chamber,  which  her  son 
Vulcan  had  framed,  with  massive  portals  made 
Fast  to  the  lintels  by  a  secret  bolt, 
Which  none  but  she  could  draw.     She  entered  in 
And  closed  the  shining  doors  ;  and  first  she  took  205 
Ambrosial  water,  washing  every  stain 
From  her  fair  limbs,  and  smoothed  them  with  rich  oil, 
Ambrosial,  soft,  and  fragrant,  which,  when  touched 
Within  Jove's  brazen  halls,  perfumed  the  air 
Of  earth  and  heaven.     When  thus  her  shapely  form 
Had  been  anointed,  and  her  hands  had  combed   2" 
Her  tresses,  she  arranged  the  lustrous  curls, 
Ambrosial,  beautiful,  that  clustering  hung 
Round  her  immortal  brow      And  next  she  threw 


46  The  Iliad. 

Around  her  an  ambrosial  robe,  the  work  315 

Of  Pallas,  all  its  web  embroidered  o'er 

With  forms  of  rare  device.     She  fastened  it 

Over  the  breast  with  clasps  of  gold,  and  then 

She  passed  about  her  waist  a  zone  which  bore 

Fringes  an  hundred-fold,  and  in  her  ears 

She  hung  her  three-gemmed  ear-rings,  from  whose 

gleam 

She  won  an  added  grace.     Around  her  head 
The  glorious  goddess  drew  a  flowing  veil, 
Just  from  the  loom,  and  shining  like  the  sun  ; 
And,  last,  beneath  her  bright  white  feet  she  bound 
The  shapely  sandals.     Gloriously  arrayed  **> 

In  all  her  ornaments,  she  left  her  bower, 
And  calling  Venus  to  herself,  apart 
From  all  the  other  gods,  addressed  her  thus  :  — 

"  Wilt  thou,  dear  child,  comply  with  what  I  ask  ? 
Or,  angered  that  I  aid  the  Greeks,  while  thou  231 
Dost  favor  Troy,  wilt  thou  deny  my  suit  ? " 

And  thus  Jove  's  daughter,  Venus,  made  reply  :  — 
"  O  Juno,  whom  I  reverence,  speak  thy  thought, 
Daughter  of  mighty  Saturn  !  for  my  heart  *& 

Commands  me  to  obey  thy  wish  in  all 
That  I  can  do,  and  all  that  can  be  done." 

And  thus  imperial  Juno,  planning  guile, 
Rejoined  :  "  Give  me  the  charm  and  the  desire 
With  which  thou  overcomest  gods  and  men.  =« 

1  go  to  the  far  end  of  this  green  earth, 
To  visit  Ocean,  father  of  the  gods, 


Book  XIV.  47 

And  Mother  Tethys,  who,  receiving  me 

From  Rhea,  cherished  me,  and  brought  me  up 

In  their  abodes,  when  Jove  the  Thunderer  245 

Cast  Saturn  down  to  lie  beneath  the  earth 

And  barren  sea.     I  go  to  visit  them, 

And  end  their  hateful  quarrel.      For  too  long 

Have  they  been  strangers  to  the  marriage-bed. 

But  if  my  words  persuade  them,  and  bring  back    250 

Their  hearts  to  their  old  love,  my  name  will  be 

Honored  by  them,  and  dear  throughout  all  time." 

And  laughter-loving  Venus  answered  thus  :  — 
"  What  thou  desirest  should  not  be  denied, 
And  shall  not,  for  thou-  sleepest  in  the  arms  255 

Of  Jupiter,  the  mightiest  of  the  gods." 

She  spake,  and  from  her  bosom  drew  the  zone, 
Embroidered,  many-colored,  and  instinct 
With  every  winning  charm  —  with  love,  desire, 
Dalliance,  and  gentle  speech  —  that  stealthily       260 
O'ercomes  the  purpose  of  the  wisest  mind, 
And,  placing  it  in  Juno's  hands,  she  said  :  — 

"  This  many-colored  zone,  and  all  that  dwells 
Within  it,  take,  and  in  thy  bosom  hide, 
And  thou,  I  deem,  wilt  not  return  and  leave          265 
Thy  purpose  unfulfilled."     As  thus  she  spake, 
The  large-eyed  statelv  Juno  smiled  and  took, 
And,  smiling,  in  her  bosom  placed  the  zone, 
While  Venus,  daughter  of  the  Thunderer, 
Went  to  the  palace.     Juno  took  her  way  270 

From  high  Olympus  o'er  Pieria's  realm 


48  The  Iliad. 

And  rich  Emathia,  o'er  equestrian  Thrace, 
With  snowy  peaks  exceeding  high  ;  her  feet 
Touched  not  the  ground.     From  Athos  suddenly 
She  stooped  upon  the  tossing  deep,  and  came       275 
To  Lemnos,  seat  of  Thoas  the  divine. 
And  there  she  met  Death's  brother,  Sleep,  and  took 
His  hand  in  hers,  and  thus  accosted  him  :  — 

"  O  Sleep,  whose  sway  .is  over  all  the  gods 
And  all  mankind,  if  ever  thou  didst  heed 
My  supplication,  hearken  to  me  now, 
And  I  shall  be  forever  grateful.     Close 
The  glorious  eyes  of  Jove  beneath  his  lids 
Midst  our  embracings,  and  for  thy  reward 
Thou  shalt  possess  a  sumptuous  throne  of  gold     =85 
Imperishable.     Vulcan,  my  lame  son, 
Shall  forge  it  for  thee,  and  adorn  its  sides, 
And  place  below  a  footstool,  upon  which 
Thy  shining  feet  shall  rest  in  banqueting." 

Then  gentle  Sleep  made  answer,  speaking  thus  :  — 
"  Great  Saturn's  daughter,  Juno  the  august,  291 

On  any  other  of  the  deathless  gods 
Could  I  bring  slumber,  —  even  on  the  tides 
Of  the  swift  Ocean,  parent  of  them  all ; 
Yet  may  I  not  approach  Saturnian  Jove  °95 

If  he  command  me  not.     Already  once 
He  made  me  quail  with  fright  before  his  threats, 
When  his  magnanimous  son,  Alcides,  sailed 
From  Troy,  which  he  had  ravaged.     Then  I  lulled 
The  senses  of  the  vEgis-bearer,  Jove, 


Book  XIV.  49 

Wrapping  myself  around  him,  while  thy  mind 

Was  planning  mischiefs  for  his  son,  and  thou 

Didst  wake  the  blasts  of  all  the  bitter  winds 

To  sweep  the  ocean,  and  to  bear  away 

The  hero  on  its  billows  from  his  friends  305 

To  populous  Cos.     When  Jupiter  awoke 

His  anger  rose  ;  he  seized  and  flung  the  gods 

Hither  and  thither  ;  me  he  chiefly  sought, 

And  would  have  cast  me  to  destruction,  down 

From  the  great  heavens  into  the  deep,  if  Night,    .TO 

Whose  power  o'ercomes  the  might  of  gods  and  men, 

Had  not  preserved  me,  fleeing  to  her  shade. 

So  Jove  refrained,  indignant  as  he  was, 

For  much  he  feared  to  offend  the  swift-paced  Night. 

And  now  thou  bid'st  me  tempt  my  fate  again."      315 

Imperial,  large-eyed  Juno  thus  rejoined  :  — 
"  Why  rise  such  thoughts,  O  Sleep,  within  thy  heart  ? 
Deem'st  thou  that  Jove  the  Thunderer  favors  Troy 
As  much  as  he  was  angered  for  the  sake 
Of  Hercules,  his  son  ?     Do  what  I  ask,  v 

And  thou  shalt  have  from  me  a  wedded  spouse. 
One  of  the  younger  Graces  shall  be  thine,  — 
Pasithea,  whom  thou  hast  desired  so  long." 

She  spake,  and  Sleep,  delighted,  answered  thus  :  — 
"  Swear  now  to  me,  O  goddess,  by  the  Styx,          3=5 
The  inviolable  river.     Lay  one  hand 
Upon  the  food-producing  earth,  and  place 
The  other  on  the  glimmering  sea,  that  all 
The  gods  below,  round  Saturn,  may  attest 

VOL.  n.  3  r. 


50  The  Iliad. 

Thy  promise,  —  that  thou  wilt  bestow  on  me          330 
One  of  the  younger  Graces  for  my  bride,  — 
Pasithea,  whom  I  have  desired  so  long." 

He  spake,  and  white-armed  Juno  willingly 
Complied  ;  she  took  the  oath,  and  called  on  all 
The  gods  who  dwell  in  Tartarus  below,  «$ 

And  bear  the  name  of  Titans.     When  the  oath 
Was  taken,  and  the  accustomed  rites  performed, 
From  Lemnos  and  from  Imbrus  forth  they  went, 
Shrouded  in  mist  ;  and  swiftly  moving  on 
Toward  Ida,  seamed  with  rivulets  and  nurse         340 
Of  savage  beasts,  they  came  to  Lectos  first, 
And  there  they  left  the  sea.     Their  way  was  now 
Over  the  land,  and  underneath  their  feet 
The  forest  summits  shook.     Sleep  halted  there 
Ere  yet  the  eye  of  Jupiter  descried  345 

His  coming,  and  upon  a  lofty  fir, 
The  tallest  growing  on  the  Idasan  mount, 
High  in  the  air  among  the  clouds  of  heaven, 
Springing  from  earth,  he  took  his  perch  within 
The  screen  of  branches,  like  the  shrill-voiced  bird, 
Called  Chalcis  by  the  immortals,  and  by  men        351 
Cymindis,  haunting  the  high  mountain-side. 

And  Juno  hastened  on  to  Gargarus, 
The  peak  of  lofty  Ida.     Jupiter, 
The  Cloud-compeller,  saw  her,  and  at  once  335 

Love  took  possession  of  his  mighty  heart, 
As  when  they  first  were  wedded,  and  withdrew 
From  their  dear  parents'  sight.     The  God  drew  near 


Book  XIV.  51 

And  stood  before  her,  and  addressed  her  thus  :  — 

"  Why  art  thou  hastening  from  Olympus  thus,   360 
And  whither;  yet  without  thy  steeds  and  car?" 

And  Juno  answered  with  dissembled  guile  :  — 
"  To  the  far  ends  of  the  green  earth  I  go, 
To  visit  Ocean,  father  of  the  gods, 
And  Mother  Tethys,  in  whose  palace  halls  365 

They  nourished  me,  and  brought  me  up.     I  go 
To  end  their  hateful  quarrels,  for  too  long 
Have  they  been  strangers  to  the  marriage-bed, 
Incensed  against  each  other.     Now  my  steeds, 
Waiting  to  bear  me  over  land  and  sea,  3?« 

Stand  at  the  foot  of  Ida  seamed  with  rills, 
And  now  I  come  to  thee,  lest  thou  perchance 
Be  wroth  if  I  unknown  to  thee  repair 
To  where  old  Ocean  dwells  amid  his  deeps." 

The  Cloud-compeller,  Jupiter,  rejoined  :  —         373 
"  Hereafter,  Juno,  there  will  be  a  time 
For  such  a  journey  ;  meantime  let  us  give 
This  hour  to  rest  and  dalliance.     Never  yet 
Did  love  of  goddess  or  of  mortal  maid 
Possess  and  overcome  my  heart  as  now  ;  3*> 

Not  even  when  I  loved  Ixion's  dame, 
Who  bore  Pirithoiis,  prudent  as  a  god 
Among  the  counsellors  ;  nor  when  I  loved 
Acrisius'  daughter  with  the  dainty  feet, 
Danae,  who  brought  forth  Perseus,  eminent  385 

Above  the  other  warrior-chiefs  ;  nor  when 
I  carried  off  from  Phoenix  the  renowned 


52  The  Iliad. 

His  daughter,  who  bore  Minos  afterward, 

And  Rhadamanthus.     Never  so  I  loved 

Semele,  nor  Alcmena  who  in  Thebes  39 

Brought  forth  to  me  the  great-souled  Hercules, 

My  valiant  son,  while  Bacchus,  the  delight 

Of  men,  was  born  of  Semele  ;  nor  yet 

So  loved  I  Ceres,  fair-haired  queen,  nor  yet 

Latona,  gloriously  beautiful,  39 

Nor  even  thee,  as  now  I  love,  and  yield 

My  spirit  to  the  sweetness  of  desire." 

Imperial  Juno  artfully  replied  :  — 
"  Importunate  Saturnius,  what  is  this 
That  thou  hast  said  ?     If  on  this  summit  height    40 
Of  Ida  we  recline,  where  all  around 
[s  open  to  the  sight,  how  will  it  be 
Should  any  of  the  ever-living  gods 
Behold  us  sleeping,  and  to  all  the  rest 
Declare  it  ?     I  could  never,  rising  thence,  40; 

Enter  again  thy  palace,  save  with  shame. 
Yet  if  thou  truly  speakest  thy  desire, 
Thou  hast  a  marriage-chamber  of  thine  own. 
Which  Vulcan,  thy  beloved  son,  for  thee 
Framed,  fitting  to  its  posts  the  solid  doors  ;  4u 

And  thither  let  us  go  to  take  our  rest 
Within  it,  since  thou  hast  declared  thy  will." 

Then  spake  again  the  Cloud-compeller  Jove  :  — 
UO  Juno!   fear  thou  not  that  any  god 
Or  man  will  look  upon  us.     I  shall  throw  «» 

A.  golden  cloud  around  us,  which  the  Sun 


Book  XIV.  53 

Himself  cannot  look  through,  although  his  eye 
Is  piercing,  far  beyond  all  other  eyes." 

The  son  of  Saturn  spake,  and  took  his  wife 
Into  his  arms,  while  underneath  the  pair  ««> 

The  sacred  Earth  threw  up  her  freshest  herbs,  — 
The  dewy  lotus,  and  the  crocus-flower, 
And  thick  and  soft  the  hyacinth.     All  these 
Upbore  them  from  the  ground.     Upon  this  couch 
They  lay,  while  o'er  them  a  bright  golden  cloud   4->5 
Gathered,  and  shed  its  drops  of  glistening  dew. 

So  slumbered  on  the  heights  of  Gargarus 
The  All-Father,  overcome  by  sleep  and  love, 
And  held  his  consort  in  his  arm?.     Meanwhile 
The  gentle  Sleep  made  haste  to  seek  the  rleet       w 
Of  Greece.     He  bore  a  message  to  the  god 
Neptune,  who  shakes  the  shores,  and,  drawing  near, 
He  thus  accosted  him  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Now,  Neptune,  give  the  Greeks  thy  earnest  aid, 
And  though  it  be  but  for  a  little  space,  435 

While  Jupiter  yet  slumbers,  let  them  win 
The  glory  of  the  day  ;  for  I  have  wrapt 
His  senses  in  a  gentle  lethargy, 
To  which  he  is  betrayed  by  Juno's  wiles." 

He  spake,  and  took  his  way,  departing  thence  440 
Among  the  tribes  of  men.     These  words  inflamed 
The  god's  desire  to  aid  the  Greeks  ;  he  sprang 
Far  on  among  the  foremost,  and  exclaimed  :  — 

"  O  Greeks  !  do  ye  again  submit  to  yield 
The  victory  to  Hector,  Priam's  son.  445 


54  The  lliaa. 

That  hi;  ir.tty  seize  our  fleet  and  bear  away 

The  glory  ot  the  day  ?     This  is  his  hope, 

And  this  his  boast,  since  now  Achilles  lies 

Inactive  at  his  ships,  in  sullen  wrath. 

Yet  little  should  we  need  him,  if  the  rest  & 

Stood  bravely  by  each  other.     Hear  me  now, 

And  do  what  I  advise.     Let  all  of  us, 

The  best  and  bravest,  bearing  shields,  and  capped 

With  glittering  helms,  and  wielding  in  our  hands 

The  longest  spears,  advance,  and  I  will  lead          455 

The  charge  ;  nor  do  I  think  that  Hector,  son 

Of  Priam,  daring  as  he  seems,  will  yet 

Abide  our  onset.     Whoso  has  the  heart 

To  make  a  stand  with  me,  and  yet  who  bears 

A  narrow  shield,  let  it  be  given  to  one  460 

Less  warlike,  and  a  broader  shield  be  found." 

He  spake ;  they  hearkened  and  obeyed.  The  kings 
Tydides,  and  Ulysses,  and  the  son 
Of  Atreus,  Agamemnon,  though  their  wounds       464 
Still  galled  them,  marshalled  and  reviewed  the  ranks, 
And  changed  their  arms  ;  they  made  the  braver  wear 
The  better  armor,  and  the  worse  they  gave 
To  the  less  warlike.     Now,  when  o'er  their  breasts 
The  burnished  mail  was  girded,  they  began  465 

Their  march  ;  the  great  earth-shaker,  Neptune,  led 
The  onset,  grasping  in  his  sinewy  hand 
A  sword  of  fearful  length  and  flashing  blade, 
Like  lightning.     No  man  dared  encounter  it 
In  combat ;  every  arm  was  stayed  by  fear. 


Book  XIV.  55 

Right  opposite,  illustrious  Hector  ranged  475 

His  Trojans.     Dark-haired  Neptune  and  the  son 
Of  Priam  no.v  engaged  in  desperate  strife, 
One  on  the  side  of  Troy,  and  one  for  Greece. 
The  sea  swelled  upward  toward  the  Grecian  tents 
And  fleet,  while  both  the  armies  flung  themselves  480 
Against  each  other  with  a  loud  uproar. 
Not  with  such  noise  the  ocean-billows  lash 
The  mainland,  when  the  violent  north  wind 
Tumbles  them  shoreward  ;  not  with  such  a  noise 
Roar  the  fierce  flames  within  the  mountain  glen,  485 
When  leaping  upward  to  consume  the  trees ; 
And  not  so  loudly  howls  the  hurricane 
Among  the  lofty  branches  of  the  oaks 
When  in  its  greatest  fury,  as  now  rose 
The  din  of  battle  from  the  hosts  that  rushed         49° 
Against  each  other  with  terrific  cries. 

At  Ajax  glorious  Hector  cast  his  spear, 
As  face  to  face  they  stood.     It  missed  him  not, 
But  struck  him  where  two  belts  upon  his  breast 
O'erlapped  each  other,  — that  which  held  the  shield 
And  that  which  bore  the  silver-studded  sword.       ** 
These  saved  the  tender  muscles.     Hector,  vexed 
That  thus  his  weapon  should  have  flown  in  vain, 
Retreated  toward  his  comrades,  shunning  death. 
As  he  drew  back,  the  Telamonian  hurled  s<» 

A  stone,  —  for  stones  in  multitude,  that  propped 
The  galleys,  lay  around,  and  rolled  among 
The  feet  of  those  who  struggled.     One  of  these 


56  The  Iliad. 

He  lifted,  smiting  Hector  on  the  breast, 

Above  the  buckler's  orb  and  near  the  neck.  505 

He  sent  it  spinning  like  a  top  :  it  fell 

And  whirled  along  the  ground.     As  when  beneath 

The  stroke  of  Father  Jupiter  an  oak 

Falls  broken  at  the  root,  and  from  it  fumes 

A  stifling  smell  of  sulphur,  and  the  heart  5»> 

Of  him  who  stands  and  sees  it  sinks  with  dread,  — 

For  fearful  is  the  bolt  of  mighty  Jove,  — 

So  dropped  the  valiant  Hector  to  the  earth 

Amid  the  dust ;  his  hand  let  fall  the  spear  ; 

His  shield  and  helm  fell  with  him,  and  his  mail    515 

Of  shining  brass  clashed   round  him.     Then   the 

Greeks 

Rushed  toward  him,  yelling  fiercely,  for  they  hoped 
To  drag  him  thence  ;  and  many  a  lance  they  cast ; 
But  none  by  javelin  or  by  thrust  could  wound 
The  shepherd  of  the  people,  for  there  came  530 

Around  him  all  the  bravest  of  his  host,  — 
Polydamas,  ^Eneas,  and  the  great 
Agenor,  and  Sarpedon,  he  who  led 
The  Lycian  bands,  and  Glaucus  the  renowned  ; 
These  flung  themselves  into  the  strife,  while  none  5*5 
Of  all  the  rest  refrained,  but  firmly  held 
Their  broad  round  shields  before  him.     Then  his 

friends 

Lifted  him  in  their  arms,  and  bore  him  off, 
Out  of  the  conflict,  to  his  fiery  steeds 
That  waited  for  him  in  the  battle's  rear,  ss« 


Book  XIV,  57 

With  charioteer  and  sumptuous  car  ;  and  these 
Bore  him  to  Ilium,  sorely  suffering. 

But  when  they  now  had  reached  the  crossing-place 
Of  Xanthus,  full  of  eddies,  pleasant  stream, 
The  progeny  of  ever-living  Jove,  53;, 

They  lifted  out  the  hero  from  the  car, 
And  laid  him  on  the  ground,  and  on  him  poured 
Water,  at  which  his  breath  and  sight  returned. 
He  sat  upon  his  knees,  and  from  his  throat 
Gave  forth  the  purple  blood,  and  then  he  fell        540 
Back  to  the  ground,  and  darkness  veiled  his  eyes, 
For  still  his  senses' felt  the  stunning  blow. 

The   Greeks    saw  Hector   leave    the   field,  and 

pressed 

The  foe  more  hotly,  and  bethought  themselves 
Of  their  old  valor.     Then  the  swift  of  foot,  545 

Oilcan  Ajax,  darted  to  the  van, 
And  with  his  fir-tree  spear  smote  Satnius,  son 
Of  Enops,  whom  a  Naiad  eminent 
For  beauty  among  all  the  nymphs  brought  forth 
To  Enops,  when  on  Satnio's  banks  he  kept  550 

His  flocks.     Oileus'  son,  expert  to  wield 
The  spear,  drew  near,  and  pierced  him  in  the  flank. 
Prostrate  he  fell,  and  suddenly  the  Greeks 
And  Trojans  gathered  round  in  desperate  fray. 
Polydamas,  the  mighty  spearman,  son  555 

Of  Panthous,  coming  to  avenge  him,  smote 
On  the  right  shoulder  Prothoenor,  son 
Of  Arei'lochus.     The  pitiless  spear 
3* 


58  The  Iliad. 

Passed  through,  and  tailing  in  the  dust  he  grasped 
The  earth  with  dying  hands.     Polydamas  -^ 

Shouted  aloud,  exulting  over  him  :  — 

"  Not  vainly,  as  I  think,  hath  flown  the  spear 
From  the  strong  hand  of  the  magnanimous  son 
Of  Panthoiis.     Some  Achaian  hath  received 
The  weapon  in  his  side,  to  lean  upon  s<>5 

In  going  down  to  Pluto's  dim  abode." 

He  spake  ;  the  Achaians  chafed  to  hear  his  boast, 
And  most  the  warlike  son  of  Telamon  ; 
For  the  slain  Greek  fell  near  him.     Instantly, 
Just  as  the  Trojan  moved  away,  he  hurled  57* 

His  shining  lance.     Polydamas,  to  escape 
The  death-stroke,  sprang  aside.     Archilochus, 
Antenor's  son,  received  the  blow  :  the  gods 
Had  doomed  him  to  be  slain.     It  pierced  the  spine 
Where  the  head  joins  the  neck,  and  severed  there  575 
The  tendons  on  each  side.     His  head  and  mouth 
And  nostrils  struck  the  ground  before  his  knees. 

And  thus  to  excellent  Polydamas 
Did  Ajax  shout  in  turn  :  "  Bethink  thee  now, 
And  tell  me  truly,  was  not  this  a  man  &° 

Worthy  to  die  for  Prothoenor's  sake  ? 
No  man  of  mean  repute  or  meanly  born 
He  seems,  but  either  brother  to  the  knight 
Antenor,  or  his  son  ;  for  certainly 
His  looks  declare  him  of  Antenor's  race."  535 

He  spake  ;  but  well  he  knew  the  slain.   Meanwhile 
The  Trojans  heard  and  grieved.     Then  Acamas, 


Book  XIV.  59 

Stalking  around  his  fallen  brother,  slew 
Promacnus,  the  Boeotian,  with  his  spear, 
While  dragging  off  the  dead  man  by  the  feet  v 

Then  o'er  the  fallen  warrior,  Acamas 
Boasted  aloud  :  "O  measureless  in  threats  ! 
Bowmen  of  Argos  1  not  to  us  alone 
Shall  woe  and  mourning  come  ;  ye  also  yet 
Will  perish.     See  your  Promachus  o'erthrown,      595 
And  by  my  spear,  that  so  my  brother's  death 
May  not  be  unrequited.      Every  man 
Should  wish  a  brother  left  to  avenge  his  fall." 

He  ended,  and  the  Greeks  were  vexed  to  hear 
His  boast ;  the  brave  Peneleus  most  of  all  <*» 

Was  angered,  and  he  rushed  on  Acamas, 
Who  waited  not  the  onset  of  the  king, 
And  in  his  stead  was  Ilioneus  slain, 
The  son  of  Phorbas,  who  was  rich  in  flocks, 
Whom  Mercury,  of  all  the  sons  of  Troy,  ^ 

Loved  most,  and  gave  him  ample  wealth  ;  his  wife 
Brought  Ilioneus  forth,  and  only  him  ; 
And  him  Peneleus  smote  beneath  the  brow 
In  the  eye's  socket,  forcing  out  the  ball  ;  ^ 

The  spear  passed  through,  and  reappeared  behind. 
Down  sat  the  wounded  man  with  arms  outstretched, 
While,  drawing  his  sharp  sword,  Peneleus  smote 
The  middle  of  his  neck,  and  lopped  away 
The  helmed  head,  which  fell  upon  the  ground, 
The  spear  still  in  the  eye.     He  lifted  it  6« 

As  one  would  lift  a  poppy  up,  and  thus 


6o  The  Iliad. 

He  shouted,  boasting,  to  the  Trojan  host  :  — 

"  Go  now,  ye  Trojans,  and  inform  from  me 
The  father  and  the  mother  of  the  slain 
That  they  may  mourn  within  their  palace  walls     e» 
Illustrious  Ilioneus.     After  this 
Shall  the  sad  wife  of  Promachus,  the  son 
Of  Alegenor,  never  hasten  forth 
To  meet  her  husband  with  glad  looks,  when  we 
The  Greeks  return  from  Ilium  with  our  fleet."       6?s 

He  spake  ;  the  Trojans  all  grew  pale  with  fear, 
And  gazed  around  for  an  escape  from  death. 

Say,  Muses,  ye  who  on  the  Olympian  height 
Inhabit,  who  was  first  among  the  Greeks 
To  gather  bloody  spoil,  when  now  the  power         &^ 
That  shakes  the  shores  had  turned  the  tide  of  war. 

First,  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon,  struck  down 
Hyrtius,  the  leader  of  the  Mysian  band, 
And  son  of  Gyrtias,  while  Antilochus 
Spoiled  Mermerus  and  Phalces.     Morys  next,      635 
Slain  by  the  weapon  of  Meriones, 
Fell  with  Hippotion.     Teucer  overthrew 
Prothoiis  and  Periphoetes.     Atreus'  son 
Smote  Hyperenor,  prince  among  his  tribe, 
Upon  the  flank  ;  the  trenchant  weapon  drank       ^ 
The  entrails,  and  the  soul,  driven  forth,  escaped 
Through  the  deep  wound,  and  darkness  veiled  his 

eyes. 

But  Ajax  swift  of  foot,  Oileus'  son, 
O'erthrew  the  most,  for  none  could  equal  him 
In  swift  pursuit  when  Jove  ordained  a  flight.          «4j 


Book  XV.  6 1 


BOOK    XV. 

1\T  OVVwhen  the  Trojans  in  theirflight  had  crossed 

1  N    Rampart  and  trench,  and  many  had  been  slain 

By  the  pursuing  Greeks,  they  made  a  halt 

Beside  their  chariots,  in  despair  and  pale 

With  terror.     Meanwhile  Jupiter  awoke,  5 

On  Ida's  height,  from  slumber  by  the  side 

Of  Juno,  goddess  of  the  golden  throne. 

At  once  he  rose  and  saw  the  Trojan  host 

Routed,  and,  following  close  upon  their  flight, 

The  Argive  warriors  putting  them  to  rout,  i° 

Aided  by  Neptune,  sovereign  of  the  sea, 

And  Hector  lying  on  the  field  among 

His  fellow-warriors,  breathing  painfully, 

Vomiting  blood,  and  senseless,  for  the  arm 

That  smote  was  not  the  feeblest  of  the  Greeks.      15 

The  Father  of  immortals  and  of  men 

Beheld  and  pitied  him,  and  terribly 

Frowned  upon  Juno,  and  bespake  her  thus  :  — 

"O  evil-minded  Juno,  full  of  guile  ! 
Thy  arts  have  made  the  noble  Hector  leave  *> 

The  combat,  and  have  forced  his  troops  to  flee. 
I  know  not  whether  't  were  not  well  that  thou 
Shouldst  taste  the  fruit  of  thy  pernicious  wiles, 
Chastised  by  me  with  stripes.     Dost  thou  forget 
When  thou  didst  swing  suspended,  and  I  tied        «s 
Two  anvils  to  thy  feet,  and  bound  a  chain 


62  TJie  Iliad. 

Of  gold  that  none  could  break  around  thy  wrists  ? 

Then  didst  thou  hang  in  air  amid  the  clouds, 

And  all  the  gods  of  high  Olympus  saw 

With  pity.     They  stood  near,  but  none  of  them      31 

Were  able  to  release  thee.     Whoso  came 

Within  my  reach  I  seized,  and  hurled  him  o'er 

Heaven's  threshold,  and  he  fell  upon  the  earth 

Scarce  breathing.     Yet  the  passion  of  my  wrath, 

Caused  by  the  wrongs  of  godlike  Hercules,  35 

Was  not  to  be  so  calmed  ;  for  craftily 

Hadst  thou  called  up  the  violent  northern  blast, 

To  chase  him  far  across  the  barren  deep, 

And  drive  him  from  his  course  to  populous  Cos. 

I  rescued  him  at  length,  and  brought  him  back      40 

To  Argos  famed  for  steeds,  though  after  long 

And  many  hardships.     I  remind  thee  now 

Of  this,  that  thou  mayst  see  of  what  avail 

Hereafter  thy  dissembled  love  and  all 

Thy  cunning  strategies  will  be  to  thee."  45 

He  spake,  and  Juno,  large-eyed  and  august, 
Shuddered,    and     answered     Jove     with     winged 
words :  — 

"  Be  witness,  Earth,  and  the  great  Heavens  above, 
And  waters  of  the  Styx  that  glide  beneath,  — 
That  dreadful  oath  which  most  the  blessed  gods    s« 
Revere,  —  be  witness,  too,  that  sacred  head 
Of  thine,  and  our  own  nuptial  couch,  by  which 
I  would  not  rashly  swear  at  any  time, 
That  not  by  my  persuasion  Neptune  went  — 


Book  XV.  63 

The  shaker  of  the  shores  —  to  harass  Troy  ss 

And  Hector,  and  to  aid  the  cause  of  Greece. 

He  went  self-counselled  ;  he  had  seen  the  Greeks 

Pressed  grievously  beside  their  fleet,  and  took 

Compassion  on  them.     Yet  would  I  advise 

That  he  obey  thy  word,  and  take  his  place  &o 

Where  thou,  the  Cloud-compeller,  bid'st  him  go." 

She  ended,  and  the  Father  of  the  gods 
And  mortals  smiled,  and  said,  in  winged  words  :  — 

"  Large-eyed,  imperial  Juno,  wouldst  thou  sit 
In  council  with  the  immortals,  and  assist  65 

My  purposes,  then  Neptune,  though  at  heart 
He  were  averse,  would  yet  conform  his  will 
To  mine  and  thine.     If  thou  dost  truly  speak, 
And  from  thy  heart,  go  now  to  where  the  gods 
Assemble,  summon  Iris,  and  with  her  70 

The  archer-god  Apollo.     Give  in  charge 
To  Iris  that  she  hasten  to  the  host 
Of  the  mailed  Greeks,  and  bid  king  Neptune  leave, 
The  battle  for  his  palace.     Let  the  god 
Phoebus,  preparing  Hector  for  the  fight,  75 

Breathe  strength  into  his  frame,  that  so  he  lose 
The  sense  of  pain  which  bows  his  spirit  now. 
And  he  shall  force  the  Greeks  again  to  flee 
In  craven  fear.     Then  shall  tneir  flying  host 
Fall  back  upon  the  galleys  of  the  son  *> 

Of  Peleus,  who  shall  send  into  the  fight 
His  friend  Patroclus.     Him  the  mighty  spear 
Of  Hector  shall  o'erthrow  before  the  walls 


64  The  Iliad. 

Of  Ilium,  after  many  a  Trojan  youth 

Shall  by  his  hand  have  fallen,  and  with  them          35 

My  noble  son,  Sarpedon.     Roused  to  rage, 

Then  shall  the  great  Achilles  take  the  life 

Of  Hector.     Be  it  from  this  time  my  care 

That  all  the  assaults  of  Trojans  in  the  fleet 

Be  beaten  back,  till  by  Minerva's  aid  <*» 

The  Greeks  possess  the  lofty  town  of  Troy. 

Still  am  I  angry,  nor  will  I  allow 

One  of  the  ever-living  gods  to  aid 

The  Greeks,  until  the  prayer  of  Peleus'  son 

Shall  fully  be  accomplished,  as  my  word  95 

And  nod  were  given,  when  Thetis  clasped  my  knees, 

Entreating  me  to  honor,  signally, 

Her  son,  Achilles,  spoiler  of  walled  towns." 

He  spake  ;  the  white-armed  goddess  willingly 
Obeyed  him,  and  from  Ida's  summit  flew  i<» 

To  high  Olympus.     As  the  thought  of  man 
Flies  rapidly,  when,  having  travelled  far, 
He  thinks,  "  Here  would  I  be,  I  would  be  there," 
And  flits  from  place  to  place,  so  swiftly  flew 
Imperial  Juno  to  the  Olympian  mount,  >o5 

And  there  she  found  the  ever-living  gods 
Assembled  in  the  halls  of  Jupiter. 
These,  as  they  saw  her,  starting  from  their  seats, 
Reached  forth  their  cups  to  greet  her.     All  the  rest 
She  overlooked,  and  took  the  beaker  held  no 

By  blooming  Themis,  who  in  haste  had  run 
To  meet  her,  and  in  winged  accents  said  :  — 


Book  XV.  65 

"  Why  comest  thou,  O  Juno  !  with  the  look 
Of  one  o'ercome  with  fear.      Hath  Saturn's  son, 
Thy  lord,  disquieted  thy  soul  with  threats  ?  "          «s 

The  white-armed  goddess  Juno  answered  her  :  — 
"  Ask  me  not,  heavenly  Themis,  —  thou  dost  know 
The  cruel,  arrogant  temper  that  is  his,  — 
But  sit  presiding  at  the  common  feast, 
In  this  fair  palace  of  the  gods,  and  thou  «« 

And  all  in  heaven  shall  hear  what  evils  Jove 
Has  threatened.     Ail,  I  think,  will  not  rejoice 
To  hear  the  tidings,  be  they  gods  or  men, 
Though  some  contentedly  are  feasting  now." 

Thus  having  said,  imperial  Juno  took  125 

Her  place,  and  all  the  gods  within  the  halls 
Of  Jupiter  were  grieved.     The  goddess  smiled, 
But  only  with  the  lips  ;  her  forehead  wore 
Above  the  jetty  brows  no  sign  of  joy, 
While  thus  she  spake  in  anger  to  the  rest  :  —       130 

"  Vainly,  and  in  our  madness,  do  we  strive 
With  Father  Jove.     We  come  and  seek  by  craft 
Or  force  to  move  his  stubborn  will ;  he  sits 
Apart,  unyielding,  unregarding,  proud 
Of  the  vast  strength  and  power  in  which  he  stands 
Above  all  other  of  the  deathless  gods.  136 

Bear  therefore  patiently  whatever  ill 
He  sends  to  each.     Already,  as  I  learn, 
Hath  Mars  his  share  of  sorrow.     In  the  war 
Ascalaphus  hath  perished,  whom  he  loved  MO 

Dearly,  beyond  all  other  men,  and  whom 


66  The  Iliad. 

The  fiery  god  acknowledged  as  his  son.'1 

As  thus  she  spake,  Mars  smote  his  sinewy  thighs 
With  his  dropped  hands,  and  sorrowfully  said  :  — 

"  Be  not  offended  with  me,  ye  who  make  MS 

Your  dwelling  on  Olympus,  if  I  go 
Down  to  the  Achaian  fleet,  and  there  avenge 
The  slaughter  of  my  son,  though  I  be  doomed 
To  fall  before  the  thunderbolt  of  Jove, 
And  lie  in  blood  and  dust  among  the  dead."         150 
He  spake,  and  summoned  Fear  and  Flight  to  yoke 
His  steeds,  and  put  his  glorious  armor  on. 
Then  greater  and  more  terrible  had  been 
The  avenging  wrath  of  Jupiter  inflamed 
Against  the  gods,  if  Pallas  in  her  fear  i?-, 

For  all  the  heavenly  dwellers  had  not  left 
Her    throne,    and,    rushing   through    the    portals, 

snatched 

The  helmet  from  his  head,  and  from  his  arm 
The  shield,  and  from  his  brawny  hand  the  spear, 
And  laid  the  brazen  weapon  by,  and  thus  '<* 

Rebuked  the  fiery  temper  of  the  god  :— 

"  Thou  madman,  thou  art  frantic,  thou  art  losv  i 
Hast  thou  not  ears  to  hear,  nor  any  shame 
Nor  reason  left  ?     Hast  thou  not  heard  the  wor 's 
Of  white-armed  Juno,  who  so  lately  left  *<, 

Olympian  Jupiter  ?     Wouldst  thou  return 
In  pain  and  sorrow  to  the  Olympian  heights, 
Driven  back  ingloriously,  and  made  the  cause 
Of  manv  miseries  to  all  the  gods  ?  - 


Book  XV.  67 

For  Jove  would  leave  the  Trojans  and  their  foes,  -7° 
The  gallant  Greeks,  and  turn  on  us,  and  bring 
Ruin  upon  Olympus.     He  would  seize 
Guilty  and  guiltless  in  his  rage  alike. 
Wherefore  I  counsel  thee  to  lay  aside 
Resentment  for  the  slaughter  of  thy  son,  i?s 

Since  braver  men  and  stronger  have  been  slain, 
And  will  be  slain  hereafter.     Vain  it  were 
To  seek  from  death  to  save  the  race  of  man." 

She  said,  and,  leading  back  the  fiery  Mars, 
Seated  him  on  his  throne,  while  Juno  called  i&> 

Apollo  forth,  with  Iris,  messenger 
Of  heaven,  and  thus  in  winged  accents  spake  :  — 

"  Jove  calls  you  both  to  Ida.     When  ye  reach 
Its  heights,  and  look  upon  his  countenance, 
Receive  his  sovereign  mandate  and  obey."  as 

So  spake  imperial  Juno,  and  withdrew 
And  took  her  seat  again,  while  they  in  haste 
Flew  toward  the  mount  of  Ida,  seamed  with  rMs 
And  nurse  of  savage  beasts.     Upon  the  top 
Of  Gargarus  they  found  the  Thunderer,  190 

The  son  of  Saturn,  sitting.     In  a  cloud 
Of  fragrant  haze  he  sat  concealed  ;  the  twain 
Entered  and  stood  before  the  God  of  Storms, 
Who  saw  them  not  displeased,  so  speedily 
Had  they  obeyed  his  consorr.     First  he  turned     ws 
To  Iris,  and  in  winged  accents  said  :  — 

"  Haste  thee,  swift  Iris,  and  report  my  word? 
To  royal  Neptune,  and  report  them  right. 


68  The  Iliad. 

Bid  him,  withdrawing  from  the  battle-field, 
Repair  to  the  assembly  of  the  gods,  ™ 

Or  the  great  ocean.     If  he  disobey, 
Contemning  my  command,  then  bid  him  think 
Maturely,  whether,  mighty  though  he  be, 
He  can  withstand  when  I  put  forth  my  power 
Against  him.     Greater  is  my  strength  than  his,     205 
And  elder-born  am  I.     Yet  in  his  pride 
Of  heart  he  dares  to  call  himself  my  peer, 
Though  all  the  others  look  on  me  with  awe." 

Thus  spake  the  god,  and  Iris,  whose  swift  feet 
Are  like  the  wind,  obeyed,  and  downward  plunged 
From  Ida's  height  to  sacred  Troy.     As  when         m 
Snow-flakes  or  icy  hail  are  dropped  to  earth 
From  clouds  before  the  north  wind  when  it  sweeps 
The  sky,  so  darted  Iris  to  the  ground, 
And  stood  by  mighty  Neptune's  side,  and  said  :  — 

"  O  dark-haired  shaker  of  the  shores,  I  bring    216 
A  message  from  the  /Egis-bearer,  Jove, 
That  thou,  withdrawing  from  the  battle-field, 
Repair  to  the  assembly  of  the  gods, 
Or  the  great  ocean.     If  thou  disobey,  ™ 

Contemning  his  command,  then  hear  his  threat  : 
He  will  come  hither  and  put  forth  his  power 
Against  thee,  and  he  warns  thee  not  to  tempt 
The  strife  ;  for  greater  is  his  power  than  thine, 
And  he  is  elder-born,  though  in  thy  pride  ?*, 

Of  heart  thou  dost  declare  thyself  the  peer 
Of  him  whom  all  the  rest  regard  with  awe." 


Book  AT.  69 

Illustrious  Neptune  answered  with  disdain  :  — 
"  In  truth  an  arrogant  speech  ;  he  seeks  by  force 
To  bar  me  from  my  purpose,  who  can  claim  ^ 

Rights  equal  to  his  own,  though  great  his  power. 
We  are  three  brothers,  —  Rhea  brought  us  forth,  — 
The  sons  of  Saturn,  — Jupiter,  and  I, 
And  Pluto,  regent  of  the  realm  below. 
Three  parts  were  made  of  all  existing  things,         =35 
And  each  of  us  received  his  heritage. 
The  lots  were  shaken  ;  and  to  me  it  fell 
To  dwell  forever  in  the  hoary  deep, 
And  Pluto  took  the  gloomy  realm  of  night, 
And,  lastly,  Jupiter  the  ample  heaven  240 

And  air  and  clouds.     Yet  doth  the  earth  remain, 
With  high  Olympus,  common  to  us  all. 
Therefore  I  yield  me  not  to  do  his  will, 
Great  as  he  is  ;  and  let  him  be  content 
With  his  third  part.     He  cannot  frighten  me         245 
With  gestures  of  his  arm.     Let  him  insult 
With  menaces  the  daughters  and  the  sons 
Of  his  own  loves,  and  give  them  law,  since  they 
Perforce  must  hear,  and  patiently  submit." 

Then  the  fleet-footed  Iris  spake  again  :  —         250 
"  O  dark-haired  Neptune,  shall  I  bear  from  thee 
This  harsh,  defiant  answer  back  to  Jove, 
Or  shall  it  yet  be  changed  ?     The  prudent  mind 
Yields  to  the  occasion,  and  thou  knowest  well 
The  Furies  wait  upon  the  elder-born."  ?K 

Then  spake   in    turn  the  god   who   shakes    the 
shores  :  — 


;o  The  Iliad. 

"O  goddess  Ins,  thou  hast  wisely  said. 

An  excellent  thing  it  is  when  messengers 

Know  how  to  counsel  well.     But  in  my  heart 

And  soul  a  wrathful  sense  of  injury  ** 

Arises  when  he  chides  with  insolent  words 

Me,  who  was  equal  with  him  in  my  lot, 

And  born  to  equal  destinies.     Yet  now, 

Although  offended,  I  give  way;  but  this 

I  tell  thee,  and  't  is  from  my  heart,  —  if  he, 

In  spite  of  me  and  Pallas,  spoiler-queen, 

And  Juno,  Mercury,  and  Vulcan,  spare 

The  towers  of  Troy,  —  if  he  refuse  to  bring 

Ruin  on  her,  and  glory  on  the  Greeks, 

Then  let  him  know  that  hatred  without  end  »?<> 

Or  intermission  is  between  us  two." 

As  thus  he  spake,  the  shaker  of  the  sho/es 
Quitted  the  Grecian  army,  took  his  way 
Seaward,  and  plunged  into  the  deep.     The  host 
Perceived  their  loss.     Then  Cloud-compelling  Jove 
Turned  to  Apollo  and  addressed  him  thus  :  —       s?« 

"  Now  go  at  once  to  Hector,  mailed  in  brass, 
Beloved  Phoebus,  for  the  god  who  shakes 
The  earth,  departing  to  the  ocean-deeps, 
Avoids  our  wrath  ;  else  had  the  other  gods,  &> 

Even  they  who  far  beneath  the  earth  surround 
Old  Saturn,  heard  our  quarrel.     Well  it  is 
For  both  of  us  that  he,  although  enraged, 
Braved  not  my  arm,  for  otherwise  the  strife 
Had  not  been  ended  without  s\veat.     Now  take    ^ 


Book  XV.  71 

The  fringed  aegis  in  thy  hands,  and  shake 
Its  orb  before  the  warrior  Greeks,  to  fill 
Their  hearts  with  fear.      I  give,  O  archer-god, 
Illustrious  Hector  to  thy  charge,      Revive 
The  might  that  dwelt  within  him,  till  the  Greeks  *r- 
Reach,  in  their  flight,  the  fleet  and  Hellespont ; 
Then  shall  it  be  my  care,  by  word  and  deed, 
To  give  them  rest  and  respite  from  their  toils." 

He  spake  :  Apollo  hearkened  and  obeyed 
His  father,  darting  down  from  Ida's  height  =95 

Like  the  fleet  falcon,  chaser  of  the  clove, 
And  swiftest  of  the  race  of  birds.     He  found 
Hector,  the  warlike  Priam's  noble  son, 
No  longer  on  his  bed.     He  sat  upright ; 
The  life  was  coming  back  ;  he  knew  again  300 

His  friends  ;  the  heavy  breathing  ceased  ;  the  sweat 
Was  stanched  ;  the  will  of  aegis-bearing  Jove 
Revived  the  warrior's  strength.     The  archer-god, 
Phoebus,  approached,  and,  standing  by  him,  said  :  — 

"Why,  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  dost  thou  sit         s°5 
Languishing  thus,  apart  from  all  the  host  ? 
Has  aught  of  evil  overtaken  thee  ?  " 

And  then  the  crested  Hector  feebly  said  : 
"Who  mayst  thou  be,  O  kindest  of  rhe  gods, 
That  thus  dost  question  me  ?     Hast  thou  not  heard 
That  the  great  warrior  Ajax,  with  a  stone,  s» 

Smote  me  upon  the  breast,  and  made  me  leave 
The  battle-field,  where  I  o'ertook  and  slew 
His  comrades  by  the  galleys  of  the  Greeks  ? 


72  The  Iliad. 

I  thought  to  be  this  day  among  the  dead  an 

In  Pluto's  mansion  ;  even  now  it  seemed 
That  I  was  breathing  my  dear  life  away." 

Then  spake  again  Apollo,  archer-god  :  — 
"  Take  courage,  for  the  son  of  Saturn  sends 
From  Ida's  summit  one  who  will  attend  &o 

And  aid  thee,  —  Phoebus  of  the  golden  sword, 
Long  practised  to  defend  thy  Troy  and  thee. 
Rise  now,  encouraging  thy  numerous  host 
Of  charioteers  to  press  with  their  swift  steeds 
Straight  toward  the  roomy  galleys  of  the  Greeks.  ™ 
I  go  before  to  smooth  for  them  the  way, 
And  turn  the  Achaian  bands,  and  make  them  flee." 

He  spake,  and  into  the  great  ruler's  breast 
Breathed  strength  and  courage.    As  a  stabled  horse, 
Fed  at  his  crib  with  barley,  breaks  the  thong         330 
That  fastened  him,  and,  issuing,  scours  the  plain 
Where  he  was  wont  in  some  smooth-flowing  stream 
To  bathe  his  sides,  — he  holds  his  head  aloft 
Proudly,  and  o'er  his  shoulders  streams  the  mane,  — 
Consciously  beautiful,  he  darts  away  335 

On  nimble  knees,  that  bear  him  to  the  fields 
He  knows  so  well,  and  pastures  of  the  mares  ;  — 
So  after  he  had  hearkened  to  the  god 
Moved  the  swift  feet  of  Hector,  and  he  flew 
To  cheer  his  horsemen  on.     As  peasant  men         340 
Rush  with  their  dogs  in  chase  of  horned  stag 
Or  mountain  goat,  whose  refuge  is  among 
Thickets  and  lofty  rocks,  nor  can  they  take 


Book  Xi:    .  73 

Their  prey,  for  at  their  clamor  there  appears 
A  maned  lion  in  the  way,  and  turns  345 

The  chasers  back,  although  in  hot  pursuit,  — 
Thus  did  the  Greeks  embattled  close  pursue 
The  men  of  Ilium,  striking  with  their  swords 
And  two-edged  spears  ;  but  when  at  length  they  saw 
Hector  among  the  ranks  of  armed  men,  350 

Their  hearts  were  troubled,  and  their  courage  sank. 

Thoas,  Andraemon's  son,  the  bravest  far 
Among  the  JEtolians,  skilled  to  cast  the  spear 
And  combat  hand  to  hand,  addressed  the  Greeks. 
In  council  few  excelled  him,  when  the  youths        33- 
Assembled  for  debate.     With  prudent  speech 
Thoas  bespake  his  fellow-warriors  thus  :  — 
"  Gods  !  what  a  marvel  do  mine  eyes  behold  ; 
Hector  has  risen  from  death  !     We  fully  thought, 
Each  one  of  us,  that,  smitten  by  the  hand  3^ 

Of  Telamonian  Ajax,  he  had  died. 
Some  god  hath  rescued  and  restored  to  strength 
This  Hector  who  hath  slain,  and  yet  will  slay, 
I  fear,  so  many  Greeks.     He  comes  not  thus 
Leading  the  charge  without  the  aid  of  Jove,  365 

The  God  of  Thunders.     Now  let  all  of  us 
Follow  this  counsel  :  bid  the  multitude 
Retreat  upon  the  ships,  and  let  the  rest, 
Who  boast  ourselves  the  bravest  of  the  host, 
Stand  firm  and  breast  his  onset,  and  so  break       3?» 
Its  fury  with  our  lifted  spears.     I  think, 
With  all  his  rage,  he  will  be  slow  to  fling 

vol..  ii.  4 


74  The  Iliad. 

Himself  into  a  band  of  armed  Greeks." 

He  spake  ;  they  hearkened  and  at  once  complied  ; 
The  Ajaxes,  the  Prince  Idomeneus,  *,. 

Teucer,  Meriones,  and  Meges,  peer 
Of  Mars,  assembled  all  the  chiefs,  and  ranked 
Their  files  to  encounter  Hector  and  his  band 
Of  Trojans,  while  the  multitude  fell  back 
To  the  Greek  galleys.     Then,  in  close  array,         &> 
The  Trojan  host  moved  forward.     Hector  led 
The  van  in  rapid  march.     Before  him  walked 
Phoebus,  the  terrible  cegis  in  his  hands 
Dazzlingly  bright  within  its  shaggy  fringe, 
By  Vulcan  forged,  the  great  artificer,  38* 

And  given  to  Jupiter,  with  which  to  rout 
Armies  of  men.     With  this  in  hand  he  led 
The  assailants  on.    The  Achaians  kept  their  ground 
In  serried  ranks,  and  a  sharp  yell  arose  & 

From  Greeks  and  Trojans.  Arrows  from  the  string 
Flew  through  the  air,  and  spears  from  valiant  hands. 
Some  pierced  the  breasts  of  warrior-youths,  but  more 
Fell  half-way  ere  they  reached  their  aim,  and  plunged 
Into  the  ground,  still  hungering  for  their  prey. 
As  long  as  Phoebus  held  the  aegis  still,  395 

The  weapons  reached  and  wounded  equally 
Both  armies,  and  in  both  the  people  fell  ; 
But  ever  when  the  god  looked  face  to  face 
On  the  Greek  knights,  and  shook  the  orb,  and  gave 
A  mighty  shout,  he  made  their  hearts  to  sink        400 
Within  their  bosoms,  and  their  courage  fled. 


Book  XV.  75 

As  when  two  beasts  of  prey  at  dead  of  night 

Suddenly   while  their  keeper  is  away, 

Scatter  a  herd  of  beeves  or  flock  of  sheep, 

So  the  disheartened  Greeks  were  put  to  rout,         «°5 

For  Phoebus  sent  among  them  fear,  and  gave 

Victory  to  Hector  and  the  men  of  Troy. 

Then,  as  the  lines  were  broken,  man  slew  man. 
First  Stichius  fell  by  Hector's  hand,  and  next 
Arcesilaus  ;  one  was  chief  among  41° 

The  mailed  Boeotians,  one  the  trusty  friend 
Of  brave  Menestheus.     Medon  fell  before 
^Eneas,  and  with  him  lasus  died. 
Medon  was  great  Oileus'  base-born  son, 
And  Ajax  was  his  brother,  and  he  dwelt  m 

In  Phylace,  an  exile,  for  his  hand 
Had  slain  the  brother  of  his  father's  wife, 
The  step-dame  Eriopis,  late  espoused, 
lasus  was  appointed  to  command 
The  warriors  sent  from  Athens,  and  he  claimed    420 
His  birth  from  Sphelus,  son  of  Bucolus. 
Mecistes  fell  before  Polydamas. 
Polites  struck  down  Echius  in  the  van, 
And  Clonius  died  by  great  Agenor's  hand  ; 
And  Paris,  when  Deiochus  had  turned  425 

To  flee,  among  the  foremost  combatants, 
Smote  him  upon  the  shoulder  from  behind, 
A.nd  drave  the  brazen  weapon  through  his  heart 

Then,  while  the  Trojans  stripped  the  dead,  the 
Greeks 


76  The  Iliad. 

Fled  every  way,  and,  falling  as  they  ran  «y 

Into  the  trench  and  on  the  stakes,  were  driven 

Back  o'er  the  rampart.     Hector  lifted  up 

His  mighty  voice,  and  bade  the  Trojans  leave 

The  bloody  spoil  and  hasten  to  the  ships. 

"  And  whomsoever  I  shall  find  apart  +3- 

In  any  place,  at  distance  from  the  ships, 

There  will  I  slay  him.     None  of  all  his  kin, 

Women  or  men,  shall  build  his  funeral  pile, 

But  dogs  shall  tear  his  limbs  in  sight  of  Troy." 

He  spake;  and  on  the  shoulders  of  his  steeds    440 
He  laid  the  lash,  and  urged  them  toward  the  foe, 
And  cheered  the  Trojans  on.     They  joined  their 

shouts 

To  his,  and  charged  with  all  their  steeds  and  cars  ; 
And  fearful  was  the  din.     Apollo  marched 
Before  them,  treading  down  with  mighty  feet         us 
The  banks  of  the  deep  ditch,  and  casting  them 
Back  to  the  middle,  till  a  causey  rose, 
Broad,  and  of  length  like  that  to  which  a  spear 
Reaches  when  thrown  by  one  who  tries  his  strength. 
O'er  this  the  Trojans  poured  into  the  camp  450 

By  squadrons,  with  Apollo  still  in  front, 
Holding  the  marvellous  aegis.     He  with  ease 
O'erthrew  the  rampart.     As  a  boy  at  play 
Among  the  sea-shore  sands  in  childish  sport 
Scatters  with  feet  and  hands  the  little  mounds      45 
He  reared,  thus  didst  thou  cause  the  mighty  work, 
O  archer  Phoebus,  which  the  Greeks  had  reared 


Book  AT.  77 

With  so  much  toil,  to  crumble.     Thou  didst  fill 
Their  hearts   with   eager   thoughts   of  flight,  till, 

hemmed  453 

Between  the  assailants  and  their  ships,  they  stopped 
And  bade  each  other  stand,  and  raised  their  hands 
To  all  the  gods,  and  offered  vows  aloud. 
Gerenian  Nestor,  guardian  of  the  Greeks, 
With  arms  extended  toward  the  starry  skies, 
Prayed  earnestly  :  "  O  Father  Jove,  if  e'er  465 

In  fruitful  Argos  there  were  burned  to  thee 
The  thighs  of  fattened  oxen  or  of  sheep, 
By  one  who  asked  a  safe  return  to  Greece, 
And  thou  didst  promise  it,  remember  him, 
God  of  Olympus,  and  avert  from  us  470 

The  day  of  evil.     Suffer  not  the  Greeks 
To  perish,  slaughtered  by  the  sons  of  Troy." 

So  spake  he  supplicating.     Jupiter 
The  All-disposer  thundered  as  he  heard 
The  old  man's  prayer.     The  Trojans  by  that  voice 
Of  aegis-bearing  Jove  were  moved  to  press  v* 

The  Greeks  more  resolutely,  and  were  filled 
With  fiercer  valor.     As  a  mighty  wave 
On  the  great  ocean,  driven  before  a  gale 
Such  as  rolls  up  the  hugest  billow,  sweeps  *&> 

O'er  the  ship's  side,  so  swept  the  Trojan  host 
With  dreadful  tumult  o'er  the  wall.     They  drave 
Their  steeds  into  the  camp,  and  there  they  fought 
Beside  the  galley-sterns,  and  hand  to  hand, 
With  two-edged  spears,  —  they  from  their  cars,  the 

Greeks  #*, 


78  The  Iliac'. 

From  their  black  ships  on  high  with  long-stemmed 

poles 

Which  lay  upon  the  decks,  prepared  for  fight 
At  sea,  and  strongly  joined  to  blades  of  brass. 

Patroclus,  while  the  Greeks  and  Trojans  fought 
Around  the  wall,  at  distance  from  the  fleet  w 

Sat  with  the  brave  Eurypylus  in  his  tent, 
Amusing  him  with  pleasant  talk,  and  dressed 
His  wound  with  balms  that  calmed  the  bitter  pain. 
But  when  he  saw  the  Trojans  bursting  in 
Over  the  wall,  and  heard  the  din,  and  saw  495 

The  Achaians  put  to  rout,  he  gave  a  cry 
Of  sudden  grief,  and  with  his  open  hands 
Smote  both  his  thighs,  and  sorrowfully  said  :  — 

"  Eurypylus,  I  cannot  stay  with  thee, 
Much  as  thou  needest  me,  for  desperate  grows      500 
The  struggle.     Now  let  thine  attendant  take 
The  charge  of  thee.     I  hasten  to  persuade 
Achilles  to  the  field.     Who  knows  but  I, 
With  Jove's  good  help,  may  change  his  purpose  yet  ? 
For  potent  are  the  counsels  of  a  friend." 

The  hero  spake,  and  instantly  his  feet 
Bore  him  away.     Meanwhile  the  Achaian  host 
Firmly  withstood  the  onset  of  their  foes. 
And  yet,  though  greater  was  their  multitude, 
They  could  not  drive  the  Trojans  from  the  fleet,  w 
Nor  could  the  Trojans  break,  with  all  their  power, 
The  serried  lines,  and  reach  the  tents  and  ships. 
As  when  a  plumb-line,  in  the  skilful  hands 


Book  XT.  79 

Of  shipwright  well  instructed  in  his  art 

By  Pallas,  squares  the  beam  that  builds  a  bark,     515 

So  even  was  the  fortune  of  the  fray. 

While  some  beside  one  galley  waged  the  war, 
And  others  round  another,  Hector  came 
To  encounter  Ajax  the  renowned,  and  both 
Fought  for  one  ship.     The  Trojan  could  not  drive 
The  Greek  away,  and  burn  his  ship  with  fire,        ^ 
Nor  the  Greek  drive  the  Trojan,  for  a  god 
Had  brought  him  thither.     Then  did  Ajax  smite 
Caletor,  son  of  Clytius,  with  his  spear 
Upon  the  breast,  as  he  was  bringing  fire  525 

To  burn  the  ship  ;  he  dropped  the  torch,  and  fell, 
With  clashing  armor.     Hector,  as  he  saw 
His  kinsman  lying  slain  amid  the  dust 
By  the  black  galley,  raised  his  voice,  and  thus 
Called  to  the  Lycians  and  the  men  of  Troy  :  —    530 

"  Hear,  men  of  Troy  and  Lycia,  and  ye  sons 
Of  Dardanus,  who  combat  hand  to  hand, 
Stand  firm,  and  never  yield  this  narrow  ground. 
Rescue  the  son  of  Clytius,  who  has  fallen 
Before  the  ships,  nor  let  the  Achaians  make          SK 
His  arms  their  spoil."     The  hero  spake,  and  aimed 
His  shining  spear  at  Ajax,  whom  it  missed, 
But  smote  Lycophron,  Master's  son,  who  served 
Ajax,  and  dwelt  with  him,  for  he  had  left 
His  native  land,  Cythera,  having  slain  54« 

One  of  the  gallant  Cytherean  race. 
Him  Hector  smote  upon  the  head  beneath 


8o  The  Iliad. 

The  ear  with  his  keen  weapon,  as  he  stood 
Near  Ajax  ;  from  the  galley's  stern  he  fell 
Headlong  upon  the  ground,  with  lifeless  limbs.     5*5 
Then  to  his  brother  Teucer  Ajax  spake  : — 

"  Dear  Teucer,  see,  our  faithful  friend  is  gone, 
The  son  of  Mastor,  from  Cythera's  isle, 
Whom  we  had  learned  to  honor  equally 
With  our  own  parents  in  our  palaces.  550 

He  falls  before  the  great-souled  Hector's  hand. 
Where,  then,  are  now  thy  shafts  that  carry  death, 
And  where  the  bow  that  Phoebus  gave  to  thee  ? " 

He  spake,  and  Teucer,  hearkening,  came  in  haste, 
With  his  bent  bow,  and  quiver  full  of  shafts,          555 
And,  standing  near  him,  sent  his  arrows  forth 
Among  the  Trojan  warriors.     There  he  smote 
Clitus,  Pisenor's  eminent  son,  the  friend 
Of  the  renowned  Polydamas,  who  claimed 
His  birth  from  Panthoiis.     Clitus  held  the  reins,  & 
Guiding  the  coursers  of  Polydamas 
Where  most  the  crowded  Grecian  phalanxes 
Wavered  and  broke,  that  so  he  might  support 
Hector  and  his  companions.     Soon  he  met, 
Brave  as  he  was,  disaster  which  no  hand  5*5 

Had  power  to  avert  :  the  bitter  arrow  struck 
His  neck  behind,  and  from  the  chariot-seat 
He  fell  to  earth  ;  the  startled  steeds  sprang  back  ; 
The  empty  chariot  rattled.     This  the  king 
Polydamas  perceived,  and  came  to  meet  w 

His  steeds,  and  gave  them  to  Astinoiis, 


Book  XV.  81 

The  soi)  of  Protiaon,  charging  him 

To  keep  them  ever  near,  and  in  his  sight, 

While  he,  returning,  mingled  with  the  throng 

That  struggled  in  the  van.     Then  Teucer  aimed  575 

Another  shaft  at  Hector  mailed  in  brass, 

Which,  had  it  reached  him  fighting  gallantly, 

Had  made  him  leave  the  battle,  for  his  life 

Had  ended  there.     The  act  was.  not  unseen 

By  All-disposing  Jupiter,  whose  power  &• 

Protected  Hector,  and  denied  the  Greek 

The  glory  hoped  for ;  for  he  snapped  in  twain 

The  firmly  twisted  cord  as  Teucer  drew 

That  perfect  bow  ;  the  brazen  arrow  flew 

Aside  ;  the  warrior's  hands  let  fall  the  bow,  sss 

And,  shuddering,  he  bespake  his  brother  thus  :  — 

"  Now  woe  is  me  !  some  deity,  no  doubt, 
Brings  all  our  plans  to  nought.     'T  is  he  whose  touch 
Strikes  from  my  hand  the  bow,  and  snaps  in  twain 
The  cord  just  twisted,  which  I  bound  myself         59° 
This  morning  to  the  bow,  that  it  might  bear 
The  frequent  arrow  bounding  toward  the  foe." 

He  spake,  and  thus  replied  the  man  of  might, 
The  Telainonian  Ajax  :  "  Lay  aside 
Thy  bow,  my  brother,  and  thy  store  of  shafts,        593 
Since,  in  displeasure  with  the  Greeks,  a  god 
Has  made  them  useless.     Haste  to  arm  thy  hand 
With  a  long  spear,  and  on  thy  shoulders  lay 
A  buckler,  and  with  these  attack  the  foe, 
And  bid  thy  fellows  stand.     Let  Trojans  see         eoo 


82  The  Iliad. 

That,  even  though  the  day  thus  far  be  theirs, 
They  cannot  lay  their  hands  on  our  good  ships 
Without  a  mighty  struggle.     Let  us  all 
Be  mindful  of  our  fame  for  gallant  deeds." 

He  spake,  and  Teucer  went  to  place  the  bo\v    605 
Within  the  tents,  and  on  his  shoulders  hung 
A  fourfold  shield,  and  placed  on  his  grand  brows 
A  stately  helmet  xvith  a  horse-hair  crest 
That  nodded  fearfully.     He  took  in  hand 
A  ponderous  spear  with  brazen  blade,  and  sprang  610 
Forward  with  hasty  steps,  and  stood  beside 
His  brother  Ajax.      Hector,  when  he  saw 
That  Teucer's  shafts  had  failed  him,  called  aloud 
Upon  the  men  of  Lycia  and  of  Troy  :  — 

"  Ye  men  of  Troy  and  Lycia,  and  ye  sons          6iS 
Of  Dardanus  who  combat  hand  to  hand, 
Acquit  yourselves  like  men,  my  friends,  and  prove 
Your  fiery  valor  by  these  roomy  ships  ; 
For  I  have  seen  with  mine  own  eyes  the  shafts 
Of  their  chief  warrior  rendered  impotent  &« 

By  Jupiter.      His  hand  is  plainly  seen 
Among  the  sons  of  men  ;  to  some  he  gives 
Glory  above  the  rest  ;  from  some  he  takes 
The  glory,  and  withdraws  from  their  defence. 
He  withers  now  the  courage  of  the  Greeks,  6=5 

And  succors  us.     Press  closely  round  the  fleet, 
And  combat.     Whosoe'er  among  you  all, 
Wounded  or  beaten  down,  shall  meet  his  death, 
So  let  him  die  ;  't  is  no  inglorious  fate 


Book  XV.  83 

To  perish  fighting  in  his  country's  cause  ;  63° 

And  he  shall  leave  his  wife  and  children  safe, 
His  home  and  household  store  inviolate, 
If  now  the  Greeks  depart  to  their  own  land." 

With  words  like  these  he  filled  their  hearts  anew 
With  strength  and  courage.  On  the  other  side  63S 
Ajax  exhorted  thus  his  warrior  friends  :  — 

"  Shame  on  you,  Greeks  !     We  perish  here,  unless 
We  rescue  with  strong  arms  our  host  and  fleet. 
Think  ye  that,  should  the  crested  Hector  seize 
Our  galleys,  ye  may  reach  your  homes  on  foot  ?    640 
Hear  ye  not  Hector's  voice,  who,  fiercely  bent 
To  burn  our  ships  with  fire,  is  cheering  on 
His  warriors  ?     To  no  dance  he  summons  them, 
But  to  the  battle.     Nought  is  left  for  us, 
And  other  counsel  there  is  none,  save  this  :  645 

Close  with  the  foe  ;  let  every  hand  put  forth 
Its  strength  ;  far  better  't  were  to  die  at  once, 
Or  make  at  once  our  safety  .sure,  than  thus 
To  waste  away,  in  lingering  fight,  beside 
Our  ships,  destroyed  by  weaker  arms  than  ours."  63° 

So  spake  the  chief,  and  all  who  heard  received 
Courage  and  strength.     Then  Hector  put  to  death 
Schedius,  the  son  of  Perimedes,  prince 
Of  the  Phocaeans.     Ajax  also  slew 
Laodamas,  Antenor's  honored  son,  ess 

A  chief  of  infantry.     Polydamas 
Struck  down  Cyllenian  Otus,  who  had  come, 
The  comrade  of  Phylides,  at  the  head 


84  The  Iliad. 

Of  the  high-souled  Epeians.     Meges  saw, 

And  rushed  upon  Polydamas,  who  sprang  660 

Aside  unharmed,  for  Phoebus  suffered  not 

The  son  of  Panthoiis  thus  to  be  o'erthrown, 

Fighting  among  the  foremost.     But  the  spear 

Of  Meges  wounded  Croesmus  in  the  breast  ; 

He  fell  with  clanging  arms.     The  slayer  stripped  665 

The  corpse  ;  but  Uolops,  son  of  Lampus,  skilled 

To  wield  the  spear,  leaped  on  him  in  the  act. 

Lampus,  the  father,  best  of  men,  was  son 

Of  king  Laomedon,  and  eminent 

For  warlike  prowess.     Dolops  struck  the  shield    67o 

Of  Meges  in  the  midst ;  the  corselet  stayed 

The  blade  with  its  close-jointed  plates,  and  saved 

The  warrior's  life.     That  corselet  Phyleus  brought 

From  Ephyre,  beside  the  Selleis, 

Given  by  his  host,  Euphetes,  king  of  men,  673 

For  his  defence  in  battle,  and  it  now 

Preserved  his  son  from  death.     Then  Meges  smote 

With  his  sharp  spear  the  helm  that  Dolops  wore, 

And  from  its  summit  struck  the  horse-hair  crest, 

New-tinged  with  purple,  and  the  cone  entire 

Fell  midst  the  dust.     While  Meges,  standing  firm, 

Fought  thus,  and  hoped  the  victory,  to  his  aid 

Came  warlike  Menelaus,  unobserved, 

And,  standing  near,  smote  Dolops  from  behind, 

Beneath  the  shoulder,  and  drave  through  the  spear 

Till  it  appeared  beyond.     The  Trojan  fell  (&> 

Upon  his  face,  and  both  the  Greeks  rushed  on 


Book  XV.  85 

To  wrench  the  brazen  armor  from  his  limbs, 

When  Hector  saw  his  fall  and  called  aloud 

Upon  the  kindred  of  the  slain.      He  first  «9° 

Rebuked  the  valiant  Melanippus,  son 

Of  Hicetaon,  who  but  lately  fed 

His  slow-paced  beeves  at  Percote,  while  yet 

The  enemy  was  far  from  Troy  ;  but  when 

The  Achaians  landed  from  their  well-oared  barks,  «9s 

He  came  to  Troy,  and  took  an  eminent  place 

Among  the  Trojans.     Near  to  Priam's  halls 

He  had  his  dwelling,  honored  equally 

With  Priam's  sons.     Him  Hector  thus  rebuked  :  — 

"  Why,  Melanippus,  are  we  loitering  thus  ?         700 
Grievest  thou  not  to  see  thy  kinsman  slain  ? 
And  see'st  thou  not  how  eagerly  the  Greeks 
Are  spoiling  Dolops  of  his  arms  ?     Come  on 
With  me.     No  time  is  this  for  distant  fight, 
But  either  we  must  rout  the  Greeks,  or  they          705 
Will  level  to  the  ground  the  lofty  towers 
Of  Ilium,  and  will  slay  its  citizens." 

He  spake,  and  led  the  way  ;  his  godlike  friend 
Followed  him,  while  the  son  of  Telamon, 
Ajax,  exhorted  thus  the  sons  of  Greece  : —  ?«> 

"  Be  men,  my  friends,  and  let  a  noble  dread 
Of  shame  possess  your  hearts,  and  jealously 
Look  to  each  other's  honor  in  the  heat 
Of  battle  ;  for  to  men  who  flee  there  comes 
No  glory,  and  that  way  no  safety  lies."  715 

He  spake,  and  all  were  eager  to  drive  back 


86  The  Iliad, 

The  assaulting  foe  ;  they  heeded  well  his  words, 
And  drew  around  their  barks  a  fence  of  mail, 
While  Jove  urged  on  the  Trojans.     Then  it  was 
That  Menelaus,  brave  in  battle,  spake 
To  rouse  the  courage  of  Antilochus  :  — 

"Antilochus,  there  is  no  other  Greek 
Younger  than  thou,  or  fleeter ;  none  so  strong 
For  combat.     Would  that,  springing  on  the  foe, 
Thou  mightest  strike  some  Trojan  warrior  down."  r---> 

So  speaking,  he  drew  back  ;  but  he  had  roused 
The  courage  of  his  friend,  who,  springing  forth 
From  midst  the  foremost  combatants,  took  aim, 
First  looking  keenly  round,  with  his  bright  spear, 
From  which  the  Trojans  shrank  as  they  beheld     iv 
The  hero  cast  it.     Not  in  vain  he  threw 
The  weapon,  for  it  struck  upon  the  breast 
Brave  Melanippus,  Hicetaon's  son  ; 
Beneath  the  pap  it  smote  him  as  he  came. 
He  fell  with  ringing  arms  ;  Antilochus  735 

Sprang  toward  him  like  a  hound  that  springs  to  seize 
A  wounded  fawn,  which,  leaping  from  its  lair, 
Is  stretched  disabled  by  the  hunter's  dart. 
So  sprang  the  stout  Antilochus  on  thee, 
O  Melanippus  !  —  sprang  to  spoil  thy  limbs          740 
Of  armor  ;  but  the  noble  Hector  saw, 
And,  hastening  through  the  thick  of  battle,  came 
Against  him.     Mighty  as  he  was  in  war, 
Yet  ventured  not  Antilochus  to  wait 
His  coming  ;  but  as  flees  a  savage  beast,  ;•>> 


Book  XV.  87 

Conscious  of  guilty  deed,  when,  having  slain 
Herdsman  or  hound,  that  kept  the  pastured  kine, 
He  steals  away  before  a  crowd  of  men, 
So  fled  the  son  of  Nestor.     On  his  rear 
The  Trojans  under  Hector  poured  a  storm  -50 

Of  weapons,  and  the  din  was  terrible. 
Yet  when  he  reached  the  serried  ranks  of  Greece 
He  turned  and  stood.      Meanwhile  the  Trojan  host, 
Like  ravening  lions,  fiercely  rushed  against 
The  galleys,  that  the  will  of  Jupiter  755 

Might  be  fulfilled  ;  for  now  he  nerved  their  limbs 
With  vigor  ever  new,  while  he  denied 
Stout  hearts  and  victory  to  the  Greeks,  and  cheered 
Their  foes  with  hope.     His  purpose  was  to  give 
The  victory  to  Hector,  Priam's  son,  ?<5o 

Till  he  should  cast  upon  the  beaked  ships 
The  fierce,  devouring  fire,  and  bring  to  pass 
The  end  for  which  the  cruel  Thetis  prayed. 
Therefore  did  Jove  the  All-disposer  wait 
Till  from  a  burning  galley  he  should  see  7«s 

The  flames  arise.     Then  must  the  Trojan  host,  — 
Such  was  his  will, —  retreating  from  the  fleet, 
Yield  to  the  Greeks  the  glory  of  the  day. 
For  this  he  moved  the  already  eager  heart 
Of  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  to  attack  770 

The  roomy  ships.     The  hero  was  aroused 
To  fury  fierce  as  Mars  when  brandishing 
His  spear,  or  as  a  desolating  flame 
That  rages  on  a  mountain-side  among 


8>  The  Iliad. 

The  thickets  of  a  close-grown  wood.     His  lips 

Were  white  with  foam  ;  his  eyes  from  underneath 

His  frowning  brows  streamed  fire  ;  and  as  he  fought, 

Upon  the  hero's  temples  fearfully 

The  helmet  nodded.     Jupiter  himself 

Sent  aid  from  his  high  seat,  and  heaped  on  him   -,*~ 

Honor  and  fame  beyond  the  other  chiefs,  — 

And  they  were  many,  — for  his  term  of  life 

Was  to  be  short.     Minerva  f.ven  now 

Was  planning  to  bring  on  its  closing  day, 

Made  fatal  by  the  might  of  Peleus'  son.  -85 

And  now  he  strove  to  break  the  Grecian  ranks, 

Assaulting  where  he  saw  the  thickest  crowd 

And  the  best  weapons  ;  yet  in  vain  he  strove 

With  all  his  valor.     Through  the  serried  lines 

He  could  not  break  ;  the  Greeks  in  solid  squares  79° 

Resisted,  like  a  rock  that  huge  and  high 

By  the  gray  deep  abides  the  buffetings 

Of  the  shrill  winds  and  swollen  waves  that  beat 

Against  it.     Firmly  thus  the  Greeks  withstood 

The  Trojan  host,  and  fled  not.     In  a  blaze  795 

Of  armor,  Hector,  rushing  toward  their  ranks, 

Fell  on  them  like  a  mighty  billow  raised 

By  the  strong  cloud-born  winds,  that  flings  itself 

On  a  swift  ship,  and  whelms  it  in  its  spray, 

While  fearfully  among  the  cordage  howls  &» 

The  blast  ;  the  sailors  tremble  and  are  faint 

With  fear,  as  men  who  deem  their  death-hour  nigh. 

So  the  Greek  warriors  were  dismayed  at  heart. 


Book  XV.  89 

As  when  a  hungry  lion  suddenly 
Springs  on  a  herd  of  kine  that  crop  the  grass        805 
By  hundreds  in  the  broad  moist  meadow-grounds, 
Beneath  the  eye  of  one  who  never  learned 
To  guard  his  horned  charge  from  beasts  of  prey, 
But  ever  walks  before  them  or  behind, 
While  the  grim  spoiler  bounds  into  the  midst        *«> 
And  makes  a  prey  of  one,  and  all  the  rest 
Are  scattered  in  affright,  so  all  the  Greeks 
Were  scattered  by  the  will  of  heaven  before 
Hector  and  Father  Jove.     Yet  only  one, 
Young  Periphcetes  of  Mycenae,  fell,  en 

The  son  of  Copreus.     Once  his  father  went 
An  envoy  from  Eurystheus  to  the  court 
Of  mighty  Hercules.     The  son  excelled 
The  father  in  all  gifts  of  form  and  mind, 
In  speed,  in  war,  in  council  eminent  82° 

Among  the  noblest  of  his  land.     His  death 
Brought  Hector  new  renown  ;  for  as  he  turned, 
Stepping  by  chance  upon  his  buckler's  rim, 
That  reached  the  ground,  —  the  buckler  which  had 

been 

His  fence  against  the  enemy's  darts,  —  he  fell       s-5 
Backward,  his  helmet  clashing  fearfully 
Around  his  temples.     Hector  saw,  and  came 
In  haste,  and  pierced  his  bosom  with  his  spear, 
Among  his  fellow-warriors,  who  with  grief 
Beheld,  yet  dared  not  aid  him,  such  their  awe       830 
Of  noble  Hector.     Now  the  Greeks  retired 


90  The  Iliad. 

Among  that  row  of  galleys  which  were  first 
Drawn  up  the  beach  ;  the  foe  poured  after  them, 
In  hot  pursuit ;  again  the  Greeks  fell  back, 
Constrained,  and  left  that  foremost  row  behind,    s33 
And  stood  beside  their  tents  in  close  array, 
And  not  dispersed  throughout  the  camp,  for  shame 
And  fear  restrained  them,  and  unceasingly 
With  shouts  they  bade  each  other  bravely  stand. 
Chiefly  Gerenian  Nestor,  wise  to  guide  s4o 

The  counsels  of  the  Greeks,  adjured  them  all, 
And  in  their  parents'  name,  to  keep  their  ground. 

"  O  friends,  be  men  ;  so  act  that  none  may  feel 
Ashamed  to  meet  the  eyes  of  other  men. 
Think  each  one  of  his  children  and  his  wife,         845 
His  home,  his  parents,  living  yet  or  dead. 
For  them,  the  absent  ones,  I  supplicate, 
And  bid  you  rally  here,  and  scorn  to  fly." 

He  spake,  and  his  brave  words  to  every  heart 
Carried  new  strength  and  courage.     Pallas  then   s5o 
Lifted  the  heaven-sent  cloud  that  veiled  the  fight, 
And  all  things  in  the  clear  full  light  were  seen 
On  either  side,  both  where  the  galleys  lay 
And  where  the  warriors  struggled.     They  beheld 
Hector  the  great  in  war,  and  all  his  host,  855 

Both  those  who  formed  the  rear  and  wielded  not 
Their  arms,  and  those  who  combated  in  front 
Beside  the  ships.     And  now  it  pleased  no  more 
The  soul  of  valiant  Ajax  to  remain 
In  the  thick  squadrons  with  the  other  Greeks,       &» 


Book  XV.  91 

But,  striding  on  the  galley-decks,  he  bore 

A  sea-pike  two  and  twenty  cubits  long, 

Huge,  and  beset  with  iron  nails.     As  when 

One  who  is  skilled  to  vault  on  running  steeds 

Chooses  four  horses  from  a  numerous  herd,  *>$ 

And  on  the  highway  to  a  populous  town 

Drives  them,  while  men  and  women  in  a  crowd 

Behold  his  feats  with  wonder,  as  he  leaps 

Boldly,  without  a  fall,  from  steed  to  steed, 

And  back  again,  and  all  the  while  they  run,  e70 

So  on  the  lofty  decks  of  those  good  ships 

From  ship  to  ship  flew  Ajax,  lifting  up 

His     mighty   voice,  —  a   shout    that    reached   to 

heaven,  — 

And  bade  the  Greeks  defend  their  fleet  and  tents. 
Nor  loitered  Hector  in  those  armed  throngs          87S 
Of  Troy,  but  as  a  tawny  eagle  swoops 
Upon  a  flock  of  birds  that  seek  their  food 
Along  a  river's  border,  —  geese  or  cranes, 
Or  long-necked  swans,  —  so  Hector  in  hot  haste 
Sprang  toward  a  galley  with  an  azure  prow,  ss<> 

While  mightily  the  power  of  Jove  impelled 
The  hero  onward,  and  inflamed  his  train 
With  courage.     Fiercely  then  around  the  ships 
The  struggle  was  renewed.     Thou  wouldst  have  said 
No  toils  of  war  could  tire  those  resolute  arms,       885 
So  stubbornly  they  fought.     In  every  mind 
The  thought  was  this  :  the  Greeks  were,  in  despair 
Of  rescue,  and  believed  their  hour  had  come 


Q2  The  Iliad. 

To  perish  ;  every  Trojan  hoped  to  give 

The  fleet  to  flames,  and  slay  the  sons  of  Greece.  890 

With  thoughts  like  these  the  hostile  warriors  closed. 

Then  Hector  laid  his  hand  upon  the  stern 
Of  a  stanch  galley,  beautiful  and  swift, 
In  which  Protesilaiis  came  to  Troy,  — 
It  never  bore  him  back.     Around  its  keel  895 

The  Trojans  and  the  Greeks  fought  hand  to  hand, 
And  slew  each  other.     For  no  more  they  sent 
The  arrow  or  the  javelin  from  afar, 
Waiting  to  see  the  wound  it  gave,  but  each 
With  equal  fury  pressed  upon  his  foe  900 

With  halberd  and  with  trenchant  battle-axe, 
Huge  sword  and  two-edged  spear.   Upon  the  ground 
Had  fallen  many  a  fair  black-hilted  sword 
With  solid  handles,  some  from  slain  men's  hands, 
Some  from  lopped  arms  of  warriors  ;  the  dark  earth 
Ran  red  with  blood.     But  Hector,  having  laid      906 
His  hand  upon  the  galley's  stern,  held  fast 
To  the  carved  point,  and  called  upon  his  men  :  — 

"  Bring  fire,  and  press  in  throngs  upon  the  foe  ; 
For  now  doth  Jove  vouchsafe  to  us  a  day  <^« 

Worth  all  the  past,  —  a  day  on  which  we  make 
The  ships  our  prey.     Against  the  will  of  Heaven 
They  landed  on  our  coast,  and  brought  on  us 
Disasters  many,  through  the  coward  fears 
Of  our  own  elders,  who  denied  my  wish  9« 

To  combat  at  the  galleys,  and  held  back 
The  people.     But  if  then  the  Thunderer 


Book  XV.  93 

Darkened  our  minds,  his  spirit  moves  us  now 
In  what  we  do,  and  we  obey  his  will.'' 

He  spake  ;  and  they  with  fiercer  valor  fell         930 
Upon  the  Greeks.     Even  Ajax  could  no  more 
Withstand  the  charge,  but,  fearing  to  be  slain, 
Amid  a  storm  of  darts  withdrew  a  space, 
To  where  the  seven-foot  bench  of  rowers  lay, 
And  left  the  galley's  stern.     There,  as  he  stood,   ^; 
He  watched  the  assailants  keenly,  and  beat  back 
With  thrusts  of  his  long  spear  whoever  brought 
The  firebrand.     With  terrific  shouts  he  called 
Upon  the  Greeks  to  combat  manfully  :  — 

"  O  friends,  Achaian  heroes,  ministers  930 

Of  Mars,  be  men,  be  mindful  of  your  fame 
For  valor.     Do  ye  dream  that  in  your  rear 
Are  succors  waiting  us,  or  firmer  walls 
That  may  protect  us  yet  ?     Nay,  no  fenced  town  934 
Have  we  for  refuge,  flanked  with  towers  from  which 
Fresh  troops  may  take  our  place.     Between  the  sea 
And  country  of  the  well-armed  Trojans  lie 
Our  tents  ;  our  native  land  is  far  away  ; 
And  now  our  only  hope  of  safety  left 
Is  in  our  weapons  :  there  is  no  retreat."  940 

He  spake,  and  mightily  with  his  sharp  spear 
Thrust  at  whoever  of  the  men  of  Troy 
At  Hector's  bidding  came  with  fire  to  burn 
The  galleys.     On  the  blade  of  that  long  spear 
The  hero  took  them  as  they  came,  and  slew         945 
In  close  encounter  twelve  before  the  fleet. 


94  The  Iliad. 


BOOK    XVI. 

SUCH  was  the  struggle  for  that  gallant  bark. 
Meanwhile  Patroclus  stood  beside  his  friend 
The  shepherd  of  the  people,  Peleus'  son, 
And  shed  hot  tears,  as  when  a  fountain  sheds 
Dark  waters  streaming  down  a  precipice.  5 

The  great  Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  beheld 
And  pitied  him,  and  spake  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  Why  weepest  thou,  Patroclus,  like  a  girl,  — 
A  little  girl  that  by  her  mother's  side 
Runs,  importuning  to  be  taken  up,  10 

And  plucks  her  by  the  robe,  and  stops  her  way, 
And  looks  at  her,  and  cries,  until  at  last 
She  rests  within  her  arms  ?     Thou  art  like  her, 
Patroclus,  with  thy  tears.     Dost  thou  then  bring 
Sad  tidings  to  the  Myrmidons  or  me  ?  *s 

Or  hast  thou  news  from  Phthia  ?     It  is  said 
That  still  Menoetius,  son  of  Actor,  lives, 
And  Peleus  also,  son  of  y£acus, 
Among  the  Myrmidons.     Full  bitterly 
Should  we  lament  to  hear  that  either  died.  20 

Or  mournest  thou  because  the  Achaians  fall 
Through  their  own  folly  by  the  roomy  ships  ? 
Speak,  and  hide  nothing,  for  I  too  would  know." 

And  thou,  O  knight  Patroclus,  with  a  sigh 
Deep-drawn,  didst  answer  thus  :  "  Be  not  displeased, 


Unk  XVI.  95 

Achilles,  son  cf  Fe'eus.  bravest  far  *> 

Of  all  the  Achaian  a'-my  t  for  the  Greeks 
Endure  a  bitter  lot*    The  chiefs  who  late 
Were  deem'ed  their  mightiest  are  within  the  ships. 
Wounded  or  stricken  down.     There  Diomed,         ^ 
The  gallant  son  of  Tydeus,  lies,  and  there 
Ulysses,  the  great  spearman,  wounded  both ; 
A.nd  Agamemnon  ;  and  Eurypylus, 
Driven  from  the  field,  an  arrow  in  his  thigh. 
Round  them  the  healers,  skilled  in  remedies,          .« 
Attend  and  dress  their  painful  wounds,  while  thou, 
.Achilles,  sittest  here  implacable. 
D,  never  be  such  fierce  resentments  mine 
As  thou  dost  cherish,  who  art  only  brave 
For  mischief !     Whom  wilt  thou  hereafter  aid,       *» 
If  now  thou  rescue  not  the  perishing  Greeks  ? 
O  merciless  !  it  cannot  surely  be 
That  Peleus  was  thy  father,  or  the  queen 
Thetfs  thy  mother  ;  the  green  sea  instead 
And  rugged  precipices  brought  thee  forth,  u 

For  savage  is  thy  heart.     But  if  thou  heed 
The  warning  of  some  god,  if  thou  hast  heard 
Aught  which  thy  goddess-mother  has  received 
From  Jove,  send  me  at  least  into  the  war, 
And  let  me  lead  thy  Myrmidons,  that  thus  5° 

The  Greeks  may  have  some  gleam  of  hope.  And  give 
The  armor  from  thy  shoulders.     I  will  wear 
Thy  mail,  and  then  the  Trojans,  at  the  sight, 
May  think  I  am  Achilles,  and  may  pause 


96  The  Iliad. 

From  fighting,  and  the  warlike  sons  of  Greece,       ss 
Tired  as  they  are,  may  breathe  once  more,  and  gain 
A  respite  from  the  conflict.     Our  fresh  troops 
May  easily  drive  back  upon  their  town    • 
The  weary  Trojans  from  our  tents  and  fleet." 

So  spake  he,  sighing  ;  rash  and  blind,  he  isked  <* 
Death  for  himself  and  evil  destiny. 
Achilles  the  swift-footed  also  drew 
A  heavy  sigh,  and  thus  in  turn  he  spake  :  — 

"  What,  O  divine  Patroclus,  hast  thou  said  ? 
I  fear  no  omen  yet  revealed  to  me  ;  65 

Nor  has  my  goddess-mother  told  me  aught 
From  Jove  ;  but  ever  in  my  heart  and  soul 
Rankles  the  painful  sense  of  injury  done 
By  one  who,  having  greater  power,  deprives 
An  equal  of  his  right,  and  takes  away  70 

The  prize  he  won.     This  is  my  wrong,  and  this 
The  cause  of  all  my  bitterness  of  heart. 
Her  whom  the  sons  of  Greece  bestowed  on  ma 
As  my  reward,  a  trophy  of  my  spear, 
After  the  sack  of  a  fenced  city,  —  her  75 

Did  Agamemnon,  son  of  Atreus,  take 
Out  of  my  hands,  as  if  I  were  a  wretch, 
A  worthless  outcast.     But  let  that  affront 
Be  with  the  things  that  were.     It  is  not  well 
To  bear  a  grudge  forever.     I  have  said  &> 

My  anger  should  not  cease  to  burn  until 
The  clamor  of  the  battle  and  the  assault 
Should  reach  the  fleet.  But  go  thou  and  put.  on 


Book  XVI.  97 

My  \vell-known  armor ;  lead  into  the  field 
My  Myrmidons,  men  that  rejoice  in  war,  s5 

Since  like  a  lowering  cloud  the  men  of  Troy 
Surround  the  fleet,  and  the  Achaians  stand 
In  narrow  space  close  pressed  beside  the  sea, 
And  all  the  city  of  Ilium  flings  itself 
Against  them,  confident  of  victory,  90 

Now  that  the  glitter  of  my  helm  no  more 
Flashes  upon  their  eyes.     Yet  very  soon 
Their  flying  host  would  fill  the  trenches  here 
With  corpses,  had  but  Agamemnon  dealt 
Gently  with  me  ;  and  now  their  squadrons  close    95 
Around  our  army.     Now  no  more  the  spear 
Is  wielded  by  Tydides  Diomed 
In  rescue  of  the  Greeks  ;  no  more  the  shout 
Of  Agamemnon's  hated  throat  is  heard  ; 
But  the  man-queller  Hector,  lifting  up  i<» 

His  voice,  exhorts  the  Trojans,  who,  in  throngs. 
Raising  the  war-cry,  fill  the  plain,  and  drive 
The  Greeks  before  them.     Gallantly  lead  on 
The  charge,  Patroclus  ;  rescue  our  good  ships  ; 
Let  not  the  enemy  give  them  to  the  flames,  ^5 

And  cut  us  off  from  our  desired  return. 
Follow  my  counsel  ;  bear  my  words  in  mind  ; 
So  shalt  thou  win  for  me  among  the  Greeks 
Great  honor  and  renown,  and  they  shall  bring 
The  beautiful  maiden  back  with  princely  gifts.      no 
When  thou  hast  driven  the  assailants  from  the  fleet, 
Return  thou  hither.     If  the  Thunderer, 
VOL.  ii.  5  G 


98  The  Iliad. 

Husband  of  Juno,  suffer  thee  to  gain 
That  victory,  seek  no  further  to  prolong 
The  combat  with  the  warlike  sons  of  Troy,  m 

Apart  from  me,  lest  I  be  brought  to  shame, 
Nor,  glorying  in  the  battle  and  pursuit, 
Slaying  the  Trojans  as  thou  goest,  lead 
Thy  men  to  Troy,  lest  from  the  Olympian  mount 
One  of  the  ever-living  gods  descend  12* 

Against  thee  :  Phoebus  loves  the  Trojans  well. 
But  come  as  soon  as  thou  shalt  see  the  ships 
In  safety  ;  leave  the  foes  upon  the  plain 
Contending  with  each  other.     Would  to  Jove 
The  All-Father,  and  to  Pallas,  and  the  god  '23 

Who  bears  the  bow,  Apollo,  that  of  all 
The  Trojans,  many  as  they  are,  and  all 
The  Greeks,  not  one  might  be  reprieved  from  death, 
While  thou  and  I  alone  were  left  alive 
To  overthrow  the  sacred  walls  of  Troy."  iy 

So  talked  they  with  each  other.     Ajax,  whelmed 
Beneath  a  storm  of  darts,  meantime  but  ill 
Endured  the  struggle,  for  the  will  of  Jove 
And  the  fierce  foe  prevailed.     His  shining  helm 
Rang  fearfully,  as  on  his  temples  fell,  m 

Stroke  following  after  stroke,  the  weapons  hurled 
Against  its  polished  studs.     The  buckler  borne 
Firmly  on  his  left  arm,  and  shifted  oft 
From  side  to  side,  had  wearied  it,  and  yet 
The  Trojans,  pressing  round  him,  could  not  drive, 
With  all  their  darts,  the  hero  from  his  place.          u- 


Book  XVI.  99 

Heavily  heaved  his  panting  chest ;  his  limbs 
Streamed  with  warm  sweat ;  there  was  no  breathing- 
time  ; 
On  danger  danger  followed,  toil  on  toil. 

Now,  Muses,  dwellers  of  Olympus,  tell  MS 

How  first  the  galleys  of  the  Greeks  were  fired. 

Hector  drew  near,  and  smote  with  his  huge  sword 
The  ashen  spear  of  Ajax  just  below 
The  socket  of  the  blade,  and  cut  the  stem 
In  two.     The  son  of  Telamon  in  vain  150 

Brandished  the  severed  weapon,  while  afar 
The  brazen  blade  flew  off,  and  ringing  fell 
To  earth.     Then  Ajax  in  his  mighty  mind 
Acknowledged  that  the  gods  were  in  the  war, 
And  shuddered,  knowing  that  the  Thunderer        iss 
Was  thwarting  all  his  warlike  purposes, 
And  willed  the  victory  to  Troy.     The  chief 
Withdrew  beyond  the  reach  of  spears,  while  fast 
The  eager  enemy  hurled  the  blazing  brands 
At  the  swift  ship,  and  wrapped  the  stern  in  flames 
Unquenchable.     Achilles  saw,  and  smote  »ei 

His  thigh,  and  spake  :  "  Patroclus,  noble  friend 
And  knight,  make  haste  :  already  I  behold 
The  flames  that  rage  with  fury  at  the  fleet. 
Now,  lest  the  enemy  seize  our  ships  and  we          »« 
Be  barred  of  our  return,  put  quickly  on 
Thy  armor  ;  be  my  task  to  call  the  troops." 

He  spake  :  Patroclus  then  in  glittering  brass 
Arrayed  himself;  and  first  around  his  thighs 


100  The  Iliad. 

He  put  the  beautiful  greaves,  and  fastened  them  170 

With  silver  clasps ;  around  his  chest  he  bound 

The  breastplate  of  the  swift  yEacides, 

With  star-like  points,  and  richly  chased  ;  he  hung 

The  sword  with  silver  studs  and  blade  of  brass 

Upon  his  shoulders,  and  with  it  the  shield  ns 

Solid  and  vast ;  upon  his  gallant  head 

He  placed  the  glorious  helm  with  horse-hair  plume, 

That  grandly  waved  on  high.     Two  massive  spears 

He  took,  that  fitted  well  his  grasp,  but  left 

The  spear  which  great  Achilles  only  bore,  iso 

Heavy  and  huge  and  strong,  and  which  no  arm 

Among  the  Greeks  save  his  could  poise  ;  his  strength 

Alone  sufficed  to  wield  it.     'T  was  an  ash 

Which  Chiron  felled  in  Pelion's  top,  and  gave 

To  Peleus,  that  it  yet  might  be  the  death  135 

Of  heroes.     Then  he  called,  to  yoke  with  speed 

The  steeds,  Automedon,  whom  he  esteemed 

Next  to  Achilles,  that  great  scatterer 

Of  armies  ;  for  he  found  him  ever  firm 

In  battle,  breasting  faithfully  its  shock.  -90 

Automedon  led  forth  to  take  the  yoke 

Xanthus  and  Balius,  coursers  that  in  speed 

Were  like  the  wind.     Podarge  brought  them  forth 

To  Zephyrus,  while  she,  the  Harpy,  grazed 

By  ocean's  streams.     Upon  the  outer  side  195 

He  joined  to  them  the  noble  Pedasus, 

Brought  by  Achilles  from  the  captured  town 

Where  ruled  Eetion.     Though  of  mortal  stock, 


Book  X\/[.  loi 

Weii  might  he  match  with  those  immortal  steeds. 

Meanwhile  Achilles  aimed  the  Myrmidons,        =« 
Passing  from  tent  to  tent.     Like  ravening  wolves, 
Terribly  strong,  that,  having  slain  among 
The  hills  an  antlered  stag  of  mighty  size, 
Tear  and  devour  it,  while  their  jaws  are  stained 
With  its  red  blood,  then  gather  in  a  herd  205 

About  some  darkly  flowing  stream,  and  lap 
The  sullen  water  with  their  slender  tongues, 
And  drop  the  clots  of  blood  from  their  grim  mouthr 
And,  although  gorged,  are  fierce  and  fearless  still,  — 
So  came  the  leaders  of  the  Myrmidons,  =10 

In  rushing  crowds,  about  the  valiant  friend 
Of  swift  /Eacides.     Among  them  stood 
Achilles,  great  in  war,  encouraging 
The  charioteers  and  warriors  armed  with  shields. 

Achilles,  dear  to  Jupiter,  had  led  =,5 

Fifty  swift  barks  to  Ilium,  and  in  each 
Were  fifty  men,  companions  at  the  oar. 
O'er  these  he  gave  command  to  five  ;  himself, 
Supreme  in  power,  was  ruler  over  all. 
One  band  the  nobly  armed  Menestheus  led,          ™ 
Son  of  Spercheius.     To  that  river-god, 
Beautiful  Polydora  brought  him  fortn, 
Daughter  of  Peleus  ;  she,  a  mortal  maid, 
Met  an  immortal's  love.     Yet  Borus,  son 
Of  Perieres,  owned  the  boy  and  took  ~3 

The  mother  for  his  bride,  with  princely  dower 
Eudorus  led  the  second  band,  a  youth 


102  The  Iliad. 

Of  warlike  mould,  whom  Polymela  bore. 
Daughter  of  Phylas,  graceful  in  the  dance. 
In  secrecy  she  brought  him  forth,  for  once  ? 

The  mighty  Argus-queller  saw  the  maid 
Among  the  choir  of  those  who  danced  and  sang 
At  Dian's  festival,  the  huntress-queen, 
Who  bears  the  golden  shafts  ;  he  saw  and  loved 
And,  climbing  to  her  chamber,  met  by  stealth       2 
The  damsel,  and  she  bore  a  gallant  son, 
Eudorus,  swift  of  foot  and  brave  in  war. 
When  Ilithvia,  midwife  goddess,  gave 
The  boy  to  see  the  pleasant  light  of  day, 
The  stout  Echecleus,  sen  of  Actor,  brought 
The  mother  to  his  house,  with  liberal  dower. 
The  aged  Phylas  reared  the  child  she  left 
Tenderly  as  a  son,  and  loved  him  well. 
Pisander,  warlike  son  of  Maemalus, 
Commanded  the  third  squadron  ;  none  like  him 
Among  the  Myrmidons  could  wield  the  spear 
Except  Pelides.     Phoenix,  aged  knight, 
Led  the  fourth  squadron.     With  the  fifth  and  last 
There  came  Alcimedon,  Laerceus'  son, 
As  leader.     When  their  ranks  were  duly  formed,  = 
Achilles  spake  to  them  in  earnest  words  :  — 
"  Now,  Myrmidons,  forget  no  single  word 
Of  all  the  threats  ye  uttered  against  Troy 
Since  first  my  wrath  began.     Ye  blame  me  much. 
And  say  :  '  Hard-hearted  son  of  Peleus,  sure         - 
Thy  mother  must  have  suckled  thee  on  gall  ; 


Book  XTI.  103 

For  sternly  thou  dost  keep  us  in  the  ships, 
Unwilling  as  we  are.     We  might,  at  least, 
Crossing  the  sea,  return  in  our  good  ships, 
If  thus  thine  anger  is  to  last.'     These  words 
Ye  utter  oft  when  our  assemblies  meet, 
And  now  the  great  occasion  is  at  hand 
Which  ye  have  longed  for  ;  now  let  him  whose  heart 
Is  fearless  meet  the  Trojans  valiantly." 

He  spake,  and  roused  their  courage  and   their 
might ,  -6s 

And  as  they  heard  their  king  they  brought  the>r  rank: 
To  closer  order.     As  an  architect 
Builds  up,  with  closely  fitting  stones,  the  wall 
Of  some  tall  mansion,  proof  against  the  blast, 
So  close  were  now  the  helms  and  bossy  shields.    270 
Shield  leaned  on  shield,  and  helm  on  helm,  and  man 
On  man,  and  on  the  glittering  helmet-cones 
The  horse-hair  plumes  with  every  motion  touched 
Each  other,  so  compact  the  squadrons  stood. 
Two  heroes,  nobly  armed,  were  at  their  head,        z?s 
Patroclus  and  Automedon,  and  both 
Had  but  one  thought,  —  to  combat  in  the  van. 

Entering  his  tent,  Achilles  raised  the  lid 
Of  a  fair  coffer,  beautifully  wrought, 
Which  silver-footed  Thetis  placed  on  board  •>*> 

His  bark,  and  filled  with  tunics,  cloaks  well  lined, 
And  fleecy  carpets.     There  he  also  kept 
A  goblet  richly  chased,  from  which  no  lip 
Of  man,  save  h>s,  nvght  drink  the  dark  red  wine, 


IO4  The  Iliad. 

Nor  wine  be  poured  to  any  god  save  Jove,  285 

The  mighty  Father.     This  he  took  in  hand 
And  purified  with  sulphur  first,  and  then 
Rinsed  with  clear  water.     Next,  with  vvashen  hands, 
He  drew  the  dark  red  wine,  and  stood  without, 
In  the  open  space,  and,  pouring  out  the  wine,       290 
Prayed  with  his  eyes  turned  heavenward,  not  un 
heard 
By  Jupiter,  who  wields  the  thunderbolt. 

"  Dodonian  Jove,  Pelasgian,  sovereign  King, 
Whose  dwelling -is  afar,  and  who  dost  rule 
Dodona  winter-bound,  where  dwell  thy  priests,      =95 
The  Selli,  with  unwashen  feet,  who  sleep 
Upon  the  ground !    Thou  once  hast  heard  my  prayer, 
And  thou  hast  honored  me,  and  terribly 
Avenged  me  on  the  Greeks.     Accomplish  yet 
This  one  request  of  mine.     I  shall  remain  ?*> 

Among  the  rows  of  ships,  but  in  my  stead 
I  send  my  comrade,  who  will  lead  to  war 
My  vast  array  of  Myrmidons.     With  him, 
O  God  of  Thunders,  send  the  victory. 
Make  his  heart  bold  ;  let  even  Hector  learn          305 
Whether  my  follower,  though  alone,  can  wage 
Successful  war,  or  conquer  only  then 
When  I  go  forth  with  him  into  the  field 
Of  slaughter.     When  he  shall  have  beaten  back 
The  assailants  from  the  fleet,  let  him  return  3«j 

Unharmed  to  my  good  galleys  and  to  me. 
With  all  his  arms  and  all  his  valiant  men." 


Book  XVI.  105 

So  spake  he,  offering  prayer,  and  Jupiter, 
The  Great  Disposer,  hearkened.     Half  the  prayer 
The  All- Father  granted  him,  and  half  denied  :       315 
To  drive  the  storm  of  battle  from  the  fleet 
He  granted,  but  denied  his  friend's  return 
In  safety.     When  the  warrior  thus  had  prayed, 
And  poured  the  wine  to  Father  Jove,  he  went 
Into  his  tent  again,  and  there  replaced  3*° 

The  goblet  in  the  coffer.     Coming  forth, 
He  stood  before  the  entrance  to  behold 
The  terrible  encounter  of  the  hosts. 

The  newly  armed,  led  by  their  gallant  chief, 
Patroclus,  marched  in  warlike  order  forth,  vs 

And  in  high  hope,  to  fall  upon  the  foe. 
As  wasps,  that  by  the  wayside  build  their  cells, 
Angered  from  time  to  time  by  thoughtless  boys,  — 
Whence  mischief  comes  to  many,  —  if  by  chance 
Some  passing  traveller  should  unwittingly  330 

Disturb  them,  all  at  once  are  on  the  wing, 
And  all  attack  him,  to  defend  their  young 
So  fearless  and  so  fierce  the  Myrmidons 
Poured  from  their  fleet,  and  mighty  was  the  din. 
Patroclus  with  loud  voice  exhorted  them  :  —         335 

"  O  Myrmidons,  companions  of  the  son 
Of  Peleus,  bear  in  mind,  my  friends,  your  fame 
For  valor,  and  be  men,  that  we  who  serve 
Achilles,  we  who  combat  hand  to  hand, 
May  honor  him  by  our  exploits,  and  teach  340 

Wide-ruling-  Agamemnon  how  he  erred 
5* 


io6  The  Iliad. 

Slighting  the  bravest  warrior  of  the  Greeks." 

These  words  awoke  the  courage  and  the  might 
Of  all  who  heard  them,  and  in  close  array 
They  fell  upon  the  Trojans.     Fearfully  345 

The  fleet  around  them  echoed  to  the  sound 
Of  Argives  shouting.     When  the  Trojans  saw, 
In  glittering  arms,  Mencetius'  gallant  son 
And  his  attendant,  every  heart  grew  faint 
With  fear  ;  the  close  ranks  wavered  •  for  they  thought 
That  the  swift  son  of  Peleus  at  the  fleet  351 

Had  laid  aside  his  wrath,  and  was  again 
The  friend  of  Agamemnon.     Eagerly 
They  looked  around  for  an  escape  from  death. 

Then  first  Patroclus  cast  his  shining  spear         35? 
Into  the  crowd  before  him,  where  they  fought 
Most  fiercely  round  the  stern  of  the  good  ship 
Of  brave  Protesilaus.     There  it  smote 
Pyrachmes,  who  had  led  from  Amydon, 
On  the  broad  Axius,  his  Paeon ian  knights.  m 

Through  his  right  shoulder  went  the  blade  ;  he  fell, 
Heavily  groaning,  to  the  earth.     His  band 
Of  warriors  from  Paeonia,  panic-struck, 
Fled  from  Patroclus  as  they  saw  their  chief 
Cut  off,  their  bravest  in  the  battle-field.  365 

So  from  the  ship  he  drave  the  foe,  and  quenched 
The  blazing  fire.     There  lay  the  half-burnt  bark, 
While  with  a  mighty  uproar  fled  the  host 
Of  Troy,  and  from  between  the  beaked  ships 
Poured  after  them  with  tumult  infinite  v» 


Book  XVI.  107 

The  Greeks.    As  when  from  some  high  mountain-top 
The  God  of  Lightnings,  Jupiter,  sweeps  off 
The  overshadowing  cloud,  at  once  appear 
The  watch-towers  and  the  headland   heights  and 

lawns 

All  in  full  light,  and  all  the  unmeasured  depth      375 
Of  ether  opens,  so  the  Greeks,  when  thus 
Their  fleet  was  rescued  from  the  hostile  flame, 
Breathed  for  a  space  ;  and  yet  they  might  not  cease 
From  battle,  for  not  everywhere  alike 
Were  chased  the  Trojans  from  the  dark-hulled  ships 
Before  the  Greeks,  but  struggled  still  to  keep        38« 
The  mastery,  and  yielded  but  to  force. 

Then  in  that  scattered  conflict  of  the  chiefs 
Each  Argive  slew  a  warrior.     With  his  spear 
The  brave  son  of  Mencetius  made  a  thrust  385 

At  Arei'lochus,  and  pierced  his  thigh, 
Just  as  he  turned  away,  and  through  the  part 
Forced  the  keen  weapon,  splintering  as  it  went 
The  bone,  and  brought  the  Trojan  to  the  ground  ; 
And  warlike  Menelaus  pierced  the  breast  390 

Of  Thoas  where  the  buckler  left  it  bare, 
And  took  his  life.     The  son  of  Phyleus  saw 
Amphiclus  rushing  on,  and  with  his  spear 
Met  him  and  pierced  his  leg  below  the  knee, 
Where  brawniest  is  the  limb.    The  blade  cut  through 
The  sinews,  and  his  eyes  were  closed  in  night.      & 
There  fought  the  sons  of  Nestor.     One  of  these, 
Antilochus,  transfixed  with  his  good  spear 


io8  The  Iliad. 

Atymnius  through  the  flank,  and  brought  him  down 

At  his  own  feet.     With  sorrow  Maris  saw  4<w 

His  brother  fall,  and  toward  Antilochus 

Flew  to  defend  the  corpse  ;  but  ere  he  strook, 

The  godlike  Thrasymedes,  with  a  blow 

That  missed  not,  smote  his  shoulder,  tearing  off 

With  the  spear's  blade  upon  the  upper  arm  405 

The  muscles  from  the  bone.     With  ringing  arms 

He  fell,  and  darkness  gathered  o'er  his  eyes. 

Thus  were  two  brothers  by  two  brothers  slain, 

And  sent  to  Erebus  ;  two  valiant  friends 

Were  they  of  King  Sarpedon,  and  the  sons  410 

Of  Amisodarus,  who  reared  and  fed 

Chimera,  the  destroyer  of  mankind. 

O;lean  Ajax,  springing  forward,  seized 
On  Cleobulus,  for  the  struggling  crowd 
Hindered  his  flight.     He  took  the  Trojan's  life,    415 
Smiting  the  neck  with  his  huge-handled  sword  ; 
The  blade  grew  warm  with  blood,  and  cruel  fate 
Brought  darkness  o'er  the  dying  warrior's  eyes. 
Peneleus  fought  with  Lycon  ;  each  had  cast 
His  spear  and  missed  his  aim,  and  ndw  with  swords 
The  twain  encountered.     Lycon  dealt  a  stroke      *» 
Upon  the  crested  helmet  of  his  foe, 
And  the  blade  failed  him,  breaking  at  the  hilt. 
Meantime  Peneleus  smote  beneath  the  ear 
The  neck  of  Lycon  :  deep  the  weapon  went ;        425 
The  severed  head,  held  only  by  the  skin, 
Dropped  to  one  side,  and  life  forsook  the  limbs. 


Book  XVI.  109 

Meriones,  o'ertaking  Acamas, 

In  rapid  flight,  discharged  a  mighty  blow 

On  his  left  shoulder  as  he  climbed  his  car  ;  43° 

He  fell,  and  darkness  gathered  o'er  his  eyes. 

Then  plunged  Idomeneus  the  cruel  spear 

Into  the  mouth  of  Erymas.     The  blade 

Passed  on  beneath  the  brain,  and  pierced  the  neck, 

And  there  divided  the  white  bones.     It  dashed    433 

The  teeth  out ;  both  the  eyes  were  filled  with  blood, 

Which   gushed    from    mouth    and    nostrils   as    he 

breathed  ; 

And  the  black  cloud  of  death  came  over  him. 
Thus  every  Grecian  leader  slew  his  man. 

As  ravening  wolves  that  spring  on  lambs  and  kids, 
And  seize  them,  wandering  wide  among  the  hills  441 
Beyond  the  keeper's  care,  and  bear  them  off, 
And  rend  with  cruel  fangs  their  helpless  prey, 
So  fiercely  did  the  Achaians  fling  themselves 
Upon  the  men  of  Troy,  who  only  thought  w 

Of  flight  from  that  tumultuous  strife,  and  quite 
Forgot  their  wonted  valor.     All  the  while 
The  greater  Ajax  sought  to  hurl  his  spear 
At  Hector,  clad  in  brazen  mail,  who  yet, 
Expert  in  battle,  kept  his  ample  chest  45° 

Hid  by  his  bull's-hide  shield,  and,  though  he  heard 
The  hiss  of  darts  and  clash  of  spears,  and  saw 
The  fortune  of  the  field  deserting  him, 
Lingered  to  rescue  his  beloved  friends. 

As  from  the  summit  of  Olympus  spreads  4ss 


no  The  Iliad. 

A  cloud  into  the  sky  that  late  was  clear, 
When  Jove  brings  on  the  tempest,  with  such  speed 
In  clamorous  flight  the  Trojans  left  the  fleet, 
Yet  passed  they  not  the  trench  in  seemly  plight. 
The  rapid  steeds  of  Hector  bore  hjm  safe  460 

Across  with  all  his  arms,  while,  left  between 
The  high  banks  of  the  trench,  the  Trojan  host 
Struggled  despairingly.     The  fiery  steeds, 
Harnessed  to  many  a  chariot,  left  it  there 
With  broken  pole.     Patroclus  followed  close,        465 
With  mighty  voice  encouraging  the  Greeks, 
And  meditating  vengeance  on  the  foe, 
That  noisily  ran  on,  and  right  and  left 
Were  scattered,  filling  all  the  ways.     The  dust 
Rose  thick  and  high,  and  spread,  and  reached  the 
clouds,  470 

A.S  with  swift  feet  the  Trojan  coursers  held 
Their  way  to  Ilium  from  the  tents  and  ships. 
Patroclus  where  he  saw  the  wildest  rout 
Drave  thither,  shouting  threats.     Full  many  a  chief 
Fell  under  his  own  axle  from  his  car,  475 

And  chariots  with  a  crash  were  overthrown. 
The  swift,  immortal  horses  which  the  gods 
Bestowed  on  Peleus  leaped  the  trench  at  once, 
Eager  to  reach  the  plain.     As  eagerly 
Patroclus  longed  to  overtake  and  smite  480 

Hector,  whose  steeds  were  hurrying  him  away. 

As  when,  in  autumn  time,  the  dark  brown  earth 
Is  whelmed  with  water  from  the  stormy  clouds, 


Book  XVI.  in 

When  Jupiter  pours  down  his  heaviest  rains, 
Offended  at  men's  crimes  who  override  w 

The  laws  by  violence,  and  drive  justice  forth 
From  the  tribunals,  heedless  of  the  gods 
And  their  displeasure,  —  all  the  running  streams 
Are  swelled  to  floods,  —  the  furious  torrents  tear 
The  mountain  slopes,  and,  plunging  from  the  heights 
With  mighty  roar,  lay  waste  the  works  of  men,      491 
And  fling  themselves  into  the  dark-blue  sea,  — 
Thus  with  loud  tumult  fled  the  Trojan  horse. 

Patroclus,  having  cut  the  nearest  bands 
Of  Troy  in  pieces,  made  his  warriors  turn  495 

Back  to  the  fleet,  and,  eager  as  they  were, 
Stopped  the  pursuit  that  led  them  toward  the  town. 
Then,  in  the  area  bounded  by  the  sea, 
River,  and  lofty  wall,  he  chased  and  smote 
And  took  full  vengeance.     With  his  glittering  spear 
He  wounded  Pronous  where  the  buckler  left          501 
The  breast  exposed  ;  the  Trojan  with  a  clash 
Fell  to  the  earth,  and  life  forsook  his  limbs. 
Advancing  in  his  might,  Patroclus  smote 
Thestor,  the  son  of  Enops,  as  he  sat  ^ 

Cowering  upon  his  sumptuous  seat,  o'ercome 
With  fear,  and  dropped   the    reins.     Through  his 

right  cheek 

Among  the  teeth  Patroclus  thrust  his  spear, 
And  o'er  the  chariot's  border  drew  him  forth 
With  the  spear's  stem.     As  when  an  angler  sits     s«> 
Upon  a  jutting  rock,  and  from  the  sea 


112  The  Iliad. 

Draws  a  huge  fish  with  line  and  gleaming  hook, 
So  did  Patroclus,  with  his  shining  spear, 
Draw  forth  the  panting  Trojan  from  his  car, 
And  shook  him  clear  :  he  fell  to  earth  and  died,  s's 

As  Eryalus  then  came  swiftly  on, 
Patroclus  flung  a  stone,  and  on  the  brow 
Smote  him  ;  the  Trojan's  head,  beneath  the  blow, 
Parted  in  two  within  the  helm  ;  he  fell 
Headlong  to  earth,  a  prey  to  ghastly  death.  520 

Then  slew  he  Erymas,  Arrphoterus, 
Epaltes,  Pyris,  Ipheus,  Echius, 
Tlepolemus,  Damastor's  son,  and  next 
Euippus  ;  nor  was  Polymelus  spared, 
The  son  of  Argias,  —  smitten  all,  and  thrown,       s^s 
Slain  upon  slain,  along  their  mother  earth. 

And  now  Sarpedon,  as  he  saw  his  friends, 
The  unbelted  Lycians,  falling  by  the  hand 
Of  Mencetiades,  exhorted  thus 
The  gallant  Lycians  :  "  Shame  upon  you  all,         530 
My  Lycians  !  whither  do  you  flee  ?     Be  bold  ! 
For  I  myself  will  meet  this  man,  and  learn 
Who  walks  the  field  in  triumph  thus,  and  makes 
Such  havoc  in  our  squadrons  ;  for  his  hand 
Has  laid  full  many  a  gallant  warrior  low."  sr, 

He  spake,  and  from  his  car  with  all  his  arms 
Sprang  to  the  ground,  while  on  the  other  side 
Patroclus,  as  he  saw  him  come,  leaped  clown 
And  left  his  chariot.     As  on  some  tall  rock 
Two  vultures,  with  curved  talons  and  hooked  beaks, 


Book  XVI.  113 

Fight  screaming,  so  these  two  with  furious  cries    sn 

Advanced  against  each  other.     When  the  son 

Of  crafty  Saturn  saw  them  meet,  his  heart 

Was  touched  with  pity,  and  he  thus  bespake 

His  spouse  and  sister  Juno  :  "  Woe  is  me  !  545 

Sarpedon,  most  beloved  of  men,  is  doomed 

To  die,  o'ercome  by  Mencetiades. 

And  now  I  halt  between  two  purposes,  — 

Whether  to  bear  him  from  this  fatal  fight, 

Alive  and  safe,  to  Lycia's  fertile  fields,  550 

Or  let  him  peVish  by  his  enemy's  hand." 

Imperial,  large-eyed  Juno  answered  thus  :  — 
"  What  words,  dread  son  of  Saturn,  hast  thou  said  ! 
Wouldst  thou  deliver  from  the  common  lot 
Of  death  a  mortal  doomed  long  since  by  fate  ?      535 
Do  as  thou  wilt,  but  be  thou  sure  of  this,  — 
The  other  gods  will  not  approve.     And  bear 
In  mind  these  words  of  mine.     If  thou  shouldst  send 
Sarpedon  home  to  Lycia  safe,  reflect 
Some  other  god  may  claim  the  right,  like  thee,      sf*> 
To  rescue  his  beloved  son  from  death 
In  battle  ;  for  we  know  that  in  the  war 
Round  Priam's  noble  city  are  many  sons 
Of  gods,  who  will  with  vehement  anger  see 
Thy  interposing  hand.     Yet  if  he  be  565 

So  dear  to  thee,  and  thou  dost  pity  him, 
Let  him  in  mortal  combat  be  o'ercome 
By  Mencetiades,  and  when  the  breath 
Of  life  has  left  his  frame,  give  thou  command 


i  [4  The  Iliad. 

To  Death  and  gentle  Sleep  to  bear  him  hence      570 
To  the  broad  realm  of  Lycia.     There  his  friends 
And  brethren  shall  perform  the  funeral  rites  ; 
There  shall  they  build  him  up  a  tomb,  and  rear 
A  column,  —  honors  that  become  the  dead." 

She  ceased,  nor  did  the  All-Father  disregard     575 
Her  words.     He  caused  a  bloody  dew  to  fall 
Upon  the  earth  in  sorrow  for.  the  son 
Whom  well  he  loved,  and  whom  Patroclus  soon 
Should  slay  upon  the  fertile  plain  of  Troy, 
Far  from  the  pleasant  land  that  saw  riis  birth.       #° 

The  warriors  now  drew  near.     Patroclus  slew 
The  noble  Thrasymelus,  who  had  been 
Sarpedon's  valiant  comrade  in  the  war. 
Below  the  belt  he  smote  him,  and  he  fell 
Lifeless.     Sarpedon  threw'his  shining  lance  ;        585 
It  missed,  but  struck  the  courser  Pedasus 
In  the  right  shoulder.     With  a  groan  he  fell 
In  dust,  and,  moaning,  breathed  his  life  away. 
Then  the  two  living  horses  sprang  apart, 
And  the  yoke  creaked,  and  the  entangled  reins    590 
Were  useless,  fastened  to  the  fallen  horse. 
Automedon,  the  mighty  spearman,  saw 
The  remedy,  and  from  his  brawny  thigh 
He  drew  his  sword,  and  cut  the  outside  horse 
Loose  from  his  fellows.     They  again  were  brought 
Together,  and  obeyed  the  reins  once  more  ;  &> 

And  the  two  chiefs  renewed  the  mortal  fight. 

And  now,  again,  Sarpedon's  shining  spear 


Book  XVI.  115 

Was  vainly  flung  ;  the  point,  in  passing  o'er 

Patroclus's  left  shoulder,  gave  no  wound.  &» 

In  turn,  Patroclus,  hurling  not  in  vain 

His  weapon,  smote  him  where  the  midriff's  web 

Holds  the  tough  heart.     He  fell  as  falls  an  oak 

Or  poplar  or  tall  pine,  which  workmen  hew 

Among  the  mountains  with  their  sharpened  steel  &>s 

To  frame  a  ship.     So  he  before  his  steeds 

And  chariot  fell  upon  the  bloody  dust, 

And  grasped  it  with  his  hands,  and  gnashed  his  teeth. 

As  when  a  lion  coming  on  a  herd 

Seizes,  amid  the  crowd  of  stamping  beeves,  6i» 

A  tawny  and  high-mettled  bull,  that  dies 

Bellowing  in  fury  in  the  lion's  jaws, — 

Like  him,  indignant  to  be  overcome, 

The  leader  of  the  bucklered  Lycian  host, 

Laid  prostrate  by  Patroclus,  called  by  name          e,s 

His  dear  companion,  and  addressed  him  thus  :  — 

"  Beloved  Glaucus,  mighty  among  men  ! 
Now  prove  thyself  a  hero,  now  be  bold. 
Now,  if  thou  have  a  warrior's  spirit,  think 
Of  nought  but  battle.     Go  from  rank  to  rank,       e20 
Exhorting  all  the  Lycian  chiefs  to  fight 
Around  Sarpedon.     Combat  thou  for  me 
With  thy  good  spear,  for  I  shall  be  to  thee 
A  shame  and  a  reproach  through  all  thy  days, 
If  here  the  Greeks,  beside  whose  ships  I  fall,        (*$ 
Bear  off  my  armor.     Stand  thou  firm,  and  stir 
Thy  people  up  to  combat  valiantly." 


1 1 6  The  Iliad. 

While  he  was  speaking,  death  crept  o'er  his  sight 
And  stopped  his  breath.     Patroclus  set  his  heel 
Against  his  bosom,  and  plucked  out  the  spear  ;     ^ 
The  midriff  followed  it,  and  thus  he  drew 
The  life  and  weapon  forth  at  once.     Meantime 
The  Myrmidons  held  fast  the  snorting  steeds, 
That,  loosened  from  the  Lycian's  car,  were  bent 
On  flight.     The  grief  of  Glaucus  as  he  heard        635 
His  comrade's  voice  was  bitter,  and  his  heart 
Ached  at  the  thought  that  he  could  bring  no  aid. 
He  seized  his  arm  and  pressed  it  in  his  grasp, 
For  there  the  wound  which  Teucer's  arrow  left, 
When  Glaucus  stormed  the  wall  and  Teucer's  shafts 
Defended  it,  still  pained  him  grievously,  64i 

And  thus  he  prayed  to  Phoebus,  archer-god  :  — - 

"  Give  ear,  O  king  !  wherever  thou  abide, 
In  the  opulent  realm  of  Lycia,  or  in  Troy  ; 
For  everywhere  thou  hearest  those  who  cry  645 

To  thee  in  sorrow,  and  great  sorrow  now 
Is  on  me.     Grievous  is  the  wound  I  bear  ; 
Sharp  are  the  pains  that  pierce  my  hand  ;  the  blood 
Cannot  be  stanched  ;  my  very  arm  becomes 
A  burden  ;  I  can  wield  the  spear  no  more  650 

With  a  firm  grasp,  nor  combat  with  the  foe. 
A  mighty  chief —  Sarpedon,  son  of  Jove  — 
Has  perished,  and  the  father  came  not  nigh 
To  aid  his  son.     Yet  come  thou  to  my  aid, 
O  monarch-god  !  and  heal  this  painful  wound,       ss» 
And  give  me  strength  to  rally  to  the  fight 


Book  XVT.  117 

The  Lycian  warriors,  and  myself  contend 
Valiantly  for  the  rescue  of  the  dead."  65s 

So  prayed  he  :  Phoebus  hearkened,  and  at  once 
Assuaged  the  pain,  and  stanched  the  purple  blood 
In  the  deep  wound,  and  filled  his  frame  with  strength. 
The  warrior  felt  the  change,  rejoiced  to  know 
That  with  such  friendly  speed  the  mighty  god 
Granted  his  prayer.     And  first  he  went  among 
The  Lycian  chiefs,  exhorting  them  to  wage  «5 

Fierce  battle  for  Sarpedon.     Then  he  sought, 
Walking  with  rapid  strides,  the  Trojan  chiefs, 
Agenor,  nobly  born,  Polydamas, 
The  son  of  Panthoiis,  y£neas  next, 
And  Hector  mailed  in  brass.     By  him  he  stood,  e7o 
And  thus  accosted  him  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  0  Hector,  thou  art  careless  of  the  fate 
Of  thine  allies,  who  for  thy  sake,  afar 
From  those  they  love,  and  from  their  native  land, 
Pour  out  their  lives  ;  thou  bringest  them  no  aid.  675 
Sarpedon  lies  in  death,  the  chief  who  led 
The  bucklered  Lycians,  who  with  justice  swayed 
The  realm  of  Lycia,  and  defended  it 
With  valor.     Him  hath  brazen  Mars  beneath 
The  weapon  of  Patroclus  smitten  down,  68° 

Come  then,  my  friends,  repulse  we  gallantly 
These  Myrmidons  ;  else  will  they  bear  away 
His  armor  and  insult  his  corpse,  to  avenge 
The  havoc  we  have  made  among  the  Greeks 
Who  perished  by  our  weapons  at  the  fleet."  «as 


Ii8  The  Iliad. 

He  spake.,  and  grief  immitigable  seized 
The  Trojans  ;  for  the  slain,  though  stranger-born, 
Had  been  a  pillar  of  the  realm  of  Troy, 
And  many  were  the  troops  that  followed  him, 
And  he  was  bravest  of  them  all  in  war.  69* 

Then  rushed  the  Trojans  fiercely  on  the  Greeks, 
With  Hector,  sorrowing  for  Sarpeclon's  fall, 
Leading  them  on,  while  the  bold-hearted  chief, 
Patroclus  Mencetiades,  aroused 
The  courage  of  the  Greeks.     He  thus  addressed  695 
The  warriors  Ajax,  eager  like  himself 
For  combat  :  "  Be  it  now  your  welcome  task, 
O  warriors  Ajax,  to  drive  back  the  foe  ; 
He  who  first  sprang  across  the  Grecian  wall, 
Sarpedon,  lies  a  corpse,  and  we  must  now  700 

Dishonor  the  dead  chief,  and  strip  from  him 
His  armor,  and  strike  down  with  our  good  spears 
Whoever  of  his  comrades  shall  resist." 

He  spake,  and  all  were  resolute  to  beat 
The  enemy  back  ;  and  when,  on  either  side,          705 
Trojans  and  Lycians,  Myrmidons  and  Greeks, 
Had  put  their  phalanxes  in  firm  array, 
They  closed,  with  dreadful  shouts  and  horrid  clash 
Of  arms,  in  fight  around  the  dead,  while  Jove 
Drew  o'er  that  deadly  fray  an  awful  veil  710 

Of  darkness,  that  the  struggle  for  the  corpse 
Of  his  dear  son  might  rage  more  furiously. 
The  Trojans  first  drave  back  the  dark  eyed  Greeks, 
For  one  was  in  the  onset  smitten  down, 


Book  XVI.  119 

Not  the  least  valiant  of  the  Myrmidons,  —  715 

The  son  of  brave  Agacles,  nobly  born 

Epeigeus,  who  aforetime,  when  he  ruled 

The  populous  Budeium,  having  slain 

A  noble  kinsman,  fled  a  suppliant 

To  Peleus  and  the  silver-footed  queen,  ?*> 

Thetis,  his  consort,  and  by  them  was  sent, 

With  terrible  Achilles,  to  the  coast 

Of  courser-breeding  Ilium  and  the  siege 

Of  Troy.     As  now  he  stooped  to  seize  the  dead,    >> 

Illustrious  Hector  smote  him  with  a  stone  w 

Upon  the  forehead,  cleaving  it  in  two 

In  the  strong  helmet  ;  headlong  on  the  corse 

He  fell,  and  cruel  death  crept  over  him. 

With  grief  Patroclus  saw  his  comrade  slain, 

And  broke  his  way  among  the  foremost  ranks.      730 

As  a  swift  hawk  that  chases  through  the  air 

Starlings  and  daws,  so  didst  thou  dart  among 

Trojans  and  Lycians,  for  thy  wrath  was  roused, 

O  knight  Patroclus !  by  thy  comrade's  death. 

And  now  his  hand  struck  Sthenelaus  down,          735 

The  dear  son  of  Itha^menes  ;  he  flung 

A  stone  that  crushed  the  sinews  of  the  neck 

Back  drew  illustrious  Hector,  and  with  him 

The  warriors  who  were  fighting  in  the  van. 

As  far  as  one  can  send  a  javelin,  740 

When  men  contend  in  martial  games,  or  meet 

Their  deadly  enemies  in  war,  so  far 

Withdrew  the  Trojans,  and  the  Greeks  pursued. 


I2O  The  Iliad. 

The  leader  of  the  bucklered  Lycian  host, 

Glaucus,  was  first  to  turn  against  his  foes.  745 

He  slew  the  brave  Bathycles,  the  dear  son 

Of  Chalcon,  who  in  Hellas  had  his  home, 

And  was  the  richest  of  the  Myrmidons. 

The  Lycian,  turning  on  him  suddenly 

As  he  drew  near  pursuing,  sent  his  spear 

Right  through  his  breast,  and  with  a  clash  he  fell. 

Great  was  the  sorrow  of  the  Greeks  to  see 

That  valiant  warrior  fall ;  the  men  of  Troy 

Exulted,  and  pressed  round  him  in  a  crowd. 

Nor  lacking  was  the  valor  of  the  Greeks,  ?ss 

Who  met  them  manfully.     Meriones 

Struck  down  a  Trojan  chief,  Laogonus, 

Onetor's  valiant  son.     His  father  stood 

Priest  at  the  altar  of  Idaean  Jove, 

And  like  a  god  was  honored  by  the  realm.  7*- 

Below  the  jaw  and  ear  Meriones 

Smote  him,  and  instantly  the  life  forsook 

His  limbs,  and  fearful  darkness  shrouded  him. 

Straight  at  Meriones  ^Eneas  aimed 

His  brazen  spear  to  smite  him,  as  he  came,  ?«* 

Beneath  his  buckler  ;  but  the  Greek  beheld 

The  weapon  in  the  air,  and,  stooping  low, 

Escaped  it  ;  over  him  it  passed,  and  stood 

Fixed  in  the  earth  behind  him,  where  its  stem 

Trembled,  for  now  the  rapid  steel  had  spent 

Its  force.     As  thus  it  quivered  in  the  ground, 

yEneas,  who  perceived  that  it  had  left 


Book  XVI.  121 

His  powerful  hand  in  vain,  was  vexed,  and  said  : 

"  Had  I  but  struck  thee,  dancer  as  thou  art, 

Meriones,  my  spear  had  suddenly  775 

Ended  thy  dancing."     Then  Meriones, 

The  skilful  spearman,  answered  :  "  Thou  art  brave, 

But  thou  wilt  find  it  hard  to  overcome 

The  might  of  all  who  gather  to  repulse 

Thy  onset.     Thou  art  mortal,  and  if  I,  ?so 

Aiming  at  thee  with  my  good  spear,  should  pierce 

Thy  bosom,  valiant  as  thou  art  and  proud 

Of  thy  strong  arm,  thy  death  would  bring  me  praise, 

And  send  thy  soul  where  gloomy  Pluto  dwells." 

He  spake  ;  the  brave  Patroclus  heard,  and  thus 
Rebuked  him  :  "  Why  wilt  thou,  Meriones,  ?s6 

With  all  thy  valor,  stand  to  make  a  speech  ? 
The  foe,  my  friend,  will  not  be  forced  to  leave 
The  corpse  by  insults  ;  some  of  them  must  die. 
In  deeds  the  issue  of  a  battle  lies  ;  790 

Words  are  for  counsel.     Now  is  not  the  time 
To  utter  swelling  phrases,  but  to  fight." 

He  ended,  and  went  on  ;  the  godlike  man 
Followed  his  steps.     As  when  from  mountain  dells 
Rises,  and  far  is  heard,  a  crashing  sound  795 

Where  woodmen  fell  the  trees,  such  was  the  noise 
From  those  who  fought  on  that  wide  plain,  —  the  din 
Of  brass,  of  leather,  and  of  tough  bulFs-hide 
Smitten  with  swords  and  two-edged  spears.    No  eye, 
Although  of  keenest  sight,  would  then  have  known 
Noble  Sarpedon,  covered  as  he  lay,  *» 

VOL.    II.  6 


122  The  Iliad. 

From  head  to  foot,  with  weapons,  blood,  and  dust  ; 

And  still  the  warriors  thronged  around  the  dead. 

As  when  in  spring-time  at  the  cattle-stalls 

Flies  gather,  humming,  when  the  milk  is  drawn,   so5 

Round  the  full  pails,  so  swarmed  around  the  corpse 

The  combatants  ;  nor  once  did  Jove  withdraw 

His  bright  eyes  from  the  stubborn  fray,  but  still 

Gazed,  planning  how  Patroclus  should  be  slain. 

Uncertain  whether,  in  the  desperate  strife  sw 

Over  the  great  Sarpedon,  to  permit 

Illustrious  Hector  with  his  spear  to  lay 

The  hero  dead,  and  make  his  arms  a  spoil, 

Or  spare  him  yet  a  while,  to  make  the  war 

More  bloody.     As  he  pondered,  this  seemed  best  : 

That  the  brave  comrade  of  Achilles  first  816 

Should  put  to  flight  the  Trojans  and  their  chief, 

Hector  the  brazen-mailed,  pursuing  them 

Toward  Troy  with  slaughter.     To  this  end  he  sent 

Into  the  heart  of  Hector  panic  fear, 

Who  climbed  his  car  and  fled,  and  bade  the  rest 

Flee  also,  for  he  saw  how  Jove  had  weighed 

The  fortunes  of  the  day.     Now  none  remained, 

Not  even  the  gallant  Lycians,  when  they  saw 

Their  monarch  lying  wounded  to  the  heart  &$ 

Among  a  heap  of  slain  ;  for  Saturn's  son 

In  that  day's  strife  had  caused  a  multitude 

To  fall  in  death.    Now  when  the  Greeks  had  stripped 

Sarpedon  of  the  glittering  brazen  mail, 

The  brave  son  of  Menretius  bade  his  friends         ^ 


Book  XVL  123 

Convey  it  to  the  hollow  ships.     Meanwhile 
The  Cloud-compeller  spake  to  Phoebus  thus  :  — • 

"  Go  now,  beloved  Phoebus,  and  withdraw 
Sarpedon  from  the  weapons  of  the  foe  ; 
Cleanse  him  from   the  dark  blood,  and  bear  him 
thence,  835 

And  lave  him  in  the  river-stream,  and  shed 
Ambrosia  o'er  him.     Clothe  him  then  in  robes 
Of  heaven,  consigning  him  to  Sleep  and  Death, 
Twin  brothers,  and  swift  bearers  of  the  dead, 
And  they  shall  lay  him  down  in  Lycia's  fields,       84° 
That  broad  and  opulent  realm.     There  shall  his 

friends 

And  kinsmen  give  him  burial,  and  shall  rear 
His  tomb  and  column,  —  honors  clue  the  dead." 

He  spake  :  Apollo  instantly  obeyed 
His  father,  leaving  Ida's  mountain  height,  w 

And  sought  the  field  of  battle,  and  bore  off 
Noble  Sarpedon  from  the  enemy's  spears, 
And  laved  him  in  the  river-stream,  and  shed 
Ambrosia  o'er  him.     Then  in  robes  of  heaven 
He  clothed  him,  giving  him  to  Sleep  and  Death,  850 
Twin  brothers,  and  swift  bearers  of  the  dead, 
And  they,  with  speed  conveying  it,  laid  down 
The  corpse  in  Lycia's  broad  and  opulent  realm. 

Meantime  Patroclus,  urging  on  his  steeds 
And  charioteer,  pursued,  to  his  own  hurt,  855 

Trojans  and  Lycians.     Madman  !  had  he  then 
Obeyed  the  counsel  which  Pelides  gave, 


124  The  Iliad. 

The  bitter  doom  of  death  had  not  been  his. 

But  stronger  than  the  purposes  of  men 

Are  those  of  Jove,  who  puts  to  flight  the  brave,     860 

And  takes  from  them  the  victory,  though  he 

Impelled  them  to  the  battle  ;  and  he  now 

Urged  on  Patroclus  to  prolong  the  fight. 

Who  first,  when  thus  the  gods  decreed  thy  death, 
Fell  by  thy  hand,  Patroclus,  and  who  last  ? 
Adrastus  first,  Autonoiis  next,  and  then 
Echeclus  ;  then  died  Perimus,  the  son 
Of  Meges  ;  then  with  Melanippus  fell 
Epistor  ;  next  was  Elasus  o'ercome, 
And  Mulius,  and  Pylartes.     These  he  slew,  R;° 

While  all  the  rest  betook  themselves  to  flight. 

Then  had  the  Greeks  possessed  themselves  of  Troy, 
With  all  its  lofty  portals,  by  the  hand 
And  valor  of  Patroclus,  for  his  rage 
Was  terrible  beyond  the  rage  of  all  875 

Who  bore  the  spear,  had  not  Apollo  stood 
On  a  strong  tower  to  menace  him  with  ill, 
And  aid  the  Trojans.     Thrice  Patroclus  climbed 
A  shoulder  of  the  lofty  wall,  and  thrice 
Apollo,  striking  his  immortal  hands 
Against  the  glittering  buckler,  thrust  him  down  ; 
And  when,  for  the  fourth  time,  the  godlike  man 
Essayed  to  mount  the  wall,  the  archer-god, 
Phoebus,  encountered  him  with  fearful  threats  : 
"  Noble  Patroclus,  hold  thy  hand,  nor  deem 
The  city  of  the  warlike  Trojans  doomed 


Book  XVI.  125 

To  fall  beneath  thy  spear,  nor  by  the  arm 

Of  Peleus'  son,  though  mightier  far  than  thou." 

He  spake  ;  Patroclus,  fearful  of  the  wrath 
Of  the  archer-god,  withdrew,  and  stood  afar,          890 
While  Hector,  at  the  Scaean  gates,  restrained 
His  coursers,  doubtful  whether  to  renew 
The  fight  by  mingling  with  the  crowd  again, 
Or  gather  all  his  host  within  the  walls 
By  a  loud  summons.     As  he  pondered  thus,          895 
Apollo  stood  beside  him  in  the  form 
Of  Asius,  a  young  warrior  and  a  brave, 
Uncle  of  Hector,  the  great  horse-tamer, 
And  brother  of  Queen  Hecuba,  and  son 
Of  Dymas,  who  in  Phrygia  dwelt  beside  900 

The  streams  of  the  Sangarius.     Putting  on 
His  shape  and  aspect,  thus  Apollo  said  :  — 

"  Why,  Hector,  dost  thou  pause  from  battle  thus  ? 
Nay,  it  becomes  thee  not.     Were  I  in  might 
Greater  than  thou,  as  I  am  less,  full  soon  903 

Wouldst  thou  repent  this  shrinking  from  the  war. 
Come  boldly  on,  and  urge  thy  firm-paced  steeds 
Against  Patroclus  ;  slay  him  on  the  field, 
And  Phoebus  will  requite  thee  with  renown." 

He  spake,  and  mingled  in  the  hard-fought  fray,  910 
While  noble  Hector  bade  his  charioteer, 
The  brave  Cebriones,  ply  well  the  lash, 
And  join  the  battle.     Phoebus  went  before, 
Entering  the  crowd,  and  spread  dismay  among 
The  Greeks,  and  gave  the  glory  of  the  hour          sn 


126  The  Iliad. 

To  Hector  and  the  Trojans.     Little  heed 

Paid  Hector  to  the  rest,  nor  raised  his  arm 

To  slay  them,  but  urged  on  his  firm-paced  steeds 

To  meet  Patroclus,  who,  beholding  him, 

Leaped  from  his  car.     In  his  left  hand  he  held     9^0 

A  spear,  and  with  the  other  lifting  up 

A  white,  rough  stone,  the  largest  he  could  grasp, 

Flung  it  with  all  its  force.     It  flew  not  wide, 

Nor  flew  in  vain,  but  smote  Cebriones, 

The  warlike  chief  who  guided  Hector's  steeds,      925 

A  spurious  son  of  Priam  the  renowned. 

The  sharp  stone  smote  his  forehead  as  he  held 

The  reins,  and  crushed  both  eyebrows  in ;  the  bone 

Resisted  not  the  blow  ;  the  warrior's  eyes 

Fell  in  the  dust  before  his  very  feet.  93° 

Down  from  the  sumptuous  seat  he  plunged,  as  dives 

A  swimmer,  and  the  life  forsook  his  limbs. 

And  this,  Patroclus,  was  thy  cruel  jest  :  — 

"  Truly  a  nimble  man  is  this  who  dives 
With  such  expertness.     Were  this,  now,  the  sea,  935 
Where  fish  are  bred,  and  he  were  searching  it 
For  oysters,  he  might  get  an  ample  store 
For  many  men,  in  leaping  from  a  ship, 
Though  in  a  storm,  so  skilfully  he  dives 
Even  from  the  chariot  to  the  plain.     No  doubt     940 
There  must  be  divers  in  the  town  of  Troy." 

He  spake,  and  sprang  upon  Cebriones. 
With  all  a  lion's  fury,  which  attacks 
The  stables  and  is  wounded  in  the  breast, 


Book  XVI.  127 

And  perishes  through  his  own  daring  ;  thus,          945 

Patroclus,  didst  thou  fall  upon  the  slain, 

While  Hector,  hastening  also,  left  his  steeds, 

And  both  contended  for  Cebriones. 

As  lions  for  the  carcass  of  a  deer 

Fight  on  a  mountain  summit,  hungry  both,  95° 

And  both  unyielding,  thus  two  mighty  men 

Of  war,  Patroclus  Mencetiades 

And  glorious  Hector,  eager  each  to  smite 

His  adversary  with  the  cruel  spear, 

Fought  for  Cebriones.     The  slain  man's  head       955 

Was  seized  by  Hector's  powerful  hand,  whose  grasp 

Relaxed  not,  while  Patroclus  held  the  foot ; 

And,  thronging  to  the  spot,  the  other  Greeks 

And  Trojans  mingled  in  the  desperate  strife. 

As  when  the  east  wind  and  the  south  contend  960 
In  the  open  mountain  grounds,  and  furiously 
Assail  the  deep  old  woods  of  beech  and  ash 
And  barky  cornel,  flinging  their  long  boughs 
Against  each  other  with  a  mighty  roar, 
And  crash  of  those  that  break,  so  did  the  Greeks  965 
And  Trojans  meet  with  mutual  blows,  and  slay 
Each  other  ;  nor  had  either  host  a  thought 
Of  shameful  flight.     Full  many  a  trenchant  spear 
Went  to  its  mark  beside  Cebriones, 
And  many  a  winged  arrow  that  had  left  970 

The  bowstring ;  many  a  massive  stone  was  hurled 
Against  the  ringing  bucklers,  as  they  fought 
Around  the  dead,  while  he,  the  mighty,  lay 


128  The  Iliad. 

Stretched  on  the  ground  amid  the  eddying  dust, 
Forgetful  of  his  art  of  horsemanship.  97, 

While  yet  the  sun  was  climbing  to  his  place 
In  middle  heaven,  the  men  of  either  host 
Were  smitten  by  the  weapons,  and  in  both 
The  people  fell ;  but  when  he  stooped  to  the  west 
The  Greeks  prevailed,  and  from  that  storm  of  darts 
And  tumult  of  the  Trojans  they  drew  forth  981 

Cebriones,  and  stripped  him  of  his  arms. 
Still  rushed  Patroclus  onward,  bent  to  wreak 
His  fury  on  the  Trojans.     Fierce  as  Mars, 
He  charged  their  squadrons  thrice  with  fearful  shouts, 
And  thrice  he  laid  nine  warriors  in  the  dust.          yss 
But  as  with  godlike  energy  he  made 
The  fourth  assault,  then  clearly  was  it  seen, 
Patroclus,  that  thy  life  was  near  its  end, 
For  Phoebus  terribly  in  that  fierce  strife  990 

Encountered  thee.     Patroclus  saw  him  not 
Advancing  in  the  tumult,  for  he  moved 
Unseen  in  darkness.     Coming  close  behind, 
He  smote,  with  open  palm,  the  hero's  back 
Between  the  ample  shoulders,  and  his  eyes  995 

Reeled  with  the  blow,  while  Phoebus  from  his  head 
Struck  the  tall  helm,  that,  clanking,  rolled  away 
Under  the  horses'  feet ;  its  crest  was  soiled 
With  blood  and  dust,  though  never  till  that  hour 
Had  dust  defiled  its  horse-hair  plume  ;  for  once  i«» 
That  helmet  guarded  an  illustrious'  head, 
The  glorious  brows  of  Peleus'  son,  and  now 


Book  XVI.  129 

Jove  destined  it  for  Hector,  to  be  worn 

In  battle  ;  and  his  death  was  also  near. 

The  spear  Patroclus  wielded,  edged  with  brass,    ™; 

Long,  tough,  and  huge,  was  broken  in  his  hands  > 

And  his  broad  buckler,  dropping  with  its  band, 

Lay  on  the  ground,  while  Phoebus,  son  of  Jove, 

Undid  the  fastenings  of  his  mail.     With  mind 

Bewildered,  and  with  powerless  limbs,  he  stood  IOID 

As  thunderstruck.     Then  a  Dardanian  named 

Euphorbus,  son  of  Panthoiis,  who  excelled 

His  comrades  in  the  wielding  of  the  spear, 

The  race,  and  horsemanship,  approaching,  smote 

Patroclus  in  the  back  with  his  keen  spear,  ™$ 

Between  the  shoulder-blades.     Already  he 

Had  dashed  down  twenty  warriors  from  their  cars, 

Guiding  his  own,  a  learner  in  the  art 

Of  Avar.     The  first  was  he  who  threw  a  lance 

At  thee,  Patroclus,  yet  o'ercame  thee  not ;  '°™ 

For,  plucking  from  thy  back  its  ashen  stem, 

He  fled,  and  mingled  with  the  crowd,  nor  dared 

Await  thy  coming,  though  thou  wert  unarmed, 

While,  weakened  by  that  wound  and  by  the  blow 

Given  by  the  god,  Patroclus  turned  and  sought    i<*5 

Shelter  from  danger  in  the  Grecian  ranks  ; 

But  Hector,  when  he  saw  the  gallant  Greek 

Thus  wounded  and  retreating,  left  his  place 

Among  the  squadrons,  and,  advancing,  pierced 

Patroclus  with  his  spear,  below  the  belt,  >°3« 

Driving  the  weapon  deep.     The  hero  fell 

6*  i 


130  Tlie  Iliad. 

With  clashing  mail,  and  all  the  Greeks  beheld 

His  fall  with  grief.     As  when  a  lion  bears 

A  stubborn  boar  to  earth,  what  time  the  twain 

Fight  on  the  mountains  for  a  slender  spring,         1035 

Both  thirsty  and  both  fierce,  the  lion's  strength 

Lays  prone  his  panting  foe,  so  Priam's  son 

Slew,  fighting  hand  to  hand,  the  valiant  Greek, 

Son  of  Menoetius,  who  himself  had  slain 

So  many.     Hector  gloried  over  him  1040 

With  winged  words  :  "  Patroclus,  thou  didst  think 

To  lay  our  city  waste,  and  carry  off 

Our  women  captive  in  thy  ships  to  Greece. 

Madman  !  in  their  defence  the  fiery  steeds 

Of  Hector  sweep  the  battle-field,  and  I,  1045 

Mightiest  of  all  the  Trojans,  with  the  spear 

Will  guard  them  from  the  doom  of  slavery. 

Now  vultures  shall  devour  thee,  wretched  youth  ! 

Achilles,  mighty  though  he  be,  has  brought 

No  help  to  thee,  though  doubtless  when  he  sent  1050 

Thee  forth  to  battle,  and  remained  within, 

He  charged  thee  thus  :  '  Patroclus,  flower  of  knights, 

Return  not  to  the  fleet  until  thy  hand 

Hath  torn  the  bloody  armor  from  the  corpse 

Of  the  man-queller  Hector.'     So  he  spake,  io55 

And  filled  with  idle  hopes  thy  foolish  heart." 

Then  thou,  Patroclus,  with  a  faltering  voice, 
Didst  answer  thus :  "Now,  Hector,  while  thou  mayst, 
Utter  thy  boast  in  swelling  words,  since  Jove 
And  Phoebus  gave  the  victory  to  thee.  i°6o 


Book  XVI.  131 

Easily  have  they  vanquished  me  ;  't  was  they 
Who  stripped  the  armor  from  my  limbs,  for  else, 
If  twenty  such  as  thou  had  met  me,  all 
Had  perished  by  my  spear.     A  cruel  fate 
O'ertakes  me,  aided  by  Latona's  son,  >o6S 

The  god,  and  by  Euphorbus  among  men. 
Thou  who  shalt  take  my  spoil  art  but  the  third  ; 
Yet  hear  my  words,  and  keep  them  in  thy  thought. 
Not  long  shalt  thou  remain  alive  ;  thy  death 
By  violence  is  at  hand,  and  thou  must  fall,  1070 

Slain  by  the  hand  of  great  yEacides." 

While  he  was  speaking,  death  stole  over  him 
And  veiled  his  senses,  while  the  soul  forsook 
His  limbs  and  flew  to  Hades,  sorrowing 
For  its  sad  lot,  to  part  from  life  in  youth  1075 

And  prime  of  strength.     Illustrious  Hector  thus 
Answered  the  dying  man  :  "  Why  threaten  me, 
Patroclus,  with  an  early  death  ?     Who  knows 
That  he,  thy  friend,  whom  fair-haired  Thetis  bore, 
Achilles,  may  not  sooner  lose  his  life,  io&» 

Slain  by  my  spear  ?  "     He  spake,  and  set  his  heel 
Upon  the  slain,  and  from  the  wound  drew  forth 
His  brazen  spear  and  pushed  the  corpse  aside, 
And  with  the  weapon  hurried  on  to  smite 
Godlike  Automedon,  the  charioteer  7085 

Of  swift  JEacides  ;  but  him  the  steeds 
Fleet-footed  and  immortal,  which  the  gods 
Bestowed  on  Peleus,  swiftly  bore  away. 


132  The  Iliad. 


BOOK    XVII. 

THE  warlike  Menelaus,  Atreus'  son, 
Beheld  Patroclus  fall  by  Trojan  hands, 
And  came  in  glittering  armor  to  the  van 
To  guard  the  body  of  the  slain.     As  walks 
A  heifer  moaning  round  her  new-born  young, 
So  fair-haired  Menelaus  stalked  around 
The  body  of  Patroclus,  holding  forth 
His  spear  and  great  round  shield,  intent  to  slay 
Whoever  came  against  him.     But  the  son 
Of  Panthoiis,  mighty  spearman,  not  the  less 
Intent  to  spoil  the  illustrious  dead,  drew  near, 
And  spake  to  warlike  Menelaus  thus  :  — 

"  Atrides  Menelaus,  reared  by  Jove, 
And  leader  of  thy  host,  give  way  and  leave 
The  dead,  and  quit  to  me  his  bloody  spoil  ; 
For  none  of  our  brave  Trojans  and  allies 
Smote  him  in  deadly  combat  with  the  spear, 
Before  me.     Leave  me  therefore  to  receive 
The  glory  due  me  from  the  sons  of  Troy, 
Else  will  I  smite  thee  too,  and  thou  wilt  lose 
Thy  precious  life  !  "     Indignant  at  the  word, 
The  fair-haired  Menelaus  answered  him  :  — 

"  O  Father  Jove  !  unseemly  boasts  are  these  ! 
For  not  the  panther's  nor  the  lion's  might, 
Nor  that  of  the  fierce  forest-boar  whose  rage 


Book  XVII.  133 

Is  heightened  into  fury,  is  as  great 

As  that  which  these  distinguished  spearmen,  sons 

Of  Panthoiis,  utter  with  their  lips.      And  yet 

The  horseman  Hyperenor  did  not  long 

Enjoy  his  youth  when  he  with  insolent  words          3° 

Assailed  me,  and  withstood  me,  —  when  he  said 

That  I  was  the  most  craven  wretch  who  bore 

Arms  in  the  Grecian  host.     He  never  turned, 

I  think,  his  footsteps  homeward  to  delight 

His  reverend  parents  and  beloved  wife  •  35 

And  I,  like  his,  will  take  thy  life,  if  thou 

Oppose  me.     Heed  my  counsel,  and  withdraw 

Among  the  crowd,  and  so  avoid  my  stroke 

Before  thou  come  to  harm.     He  is  a  fool 

Who  only  sees  the  mischiefs  that  are  past."  « 

He  said  :  Euphorbus,  heeding  not  his  words 
Of  warning,  spake  again  :  "  Now  is  my  time, 
Jove-nurtured  Menelaus,  to  avenge 
My  brother,  slain  by  thee,  and  over  whom 
Thou  utteredst  such  swelling  words,  whose  wife     45 
In  her  new  bridal  chamber  thou  hast  made 
A  widow,  and  upon  her  parents  brought 
Mourning  and  endless  sorrow.     It  may  make 
The  sorrow  less,  should  I  into  the  hands 
Of  Panthoiis  and  the  noble  Phrontis  give  so 

Thy  head  and  armor.     Let  us  now  delay 
The  strife  no  longer  :  it  will  show  with  whom 
The  valor  dwells,  and  who  is  moved  by  fear." 

He  spake,  and  smote  his  enemy's  round  shield, 


134  The  Iliad. 

But  pierced  it  not ;  the  stubborn  metal  turned        ss 
The  weapon's  point.     Then  Menelaus,  son 
Of  Atreus,  with  a  prayer  to  Jupiter, 
Struck,  as  Euphorbus  made  a  backward  step, 
His  throat,  and  drave  the  weapon  with  strong  hand 
Through  the  soft  neck.     He  fell  with  clashing  arms. 
His  locks,  which  were  like  those  the  Graces  wear,  &t 
And  ringlets,  bound  with  gold  and  silver  bands, 
Were  drenched  with  blood.     As  when  some  hus 
bandman 

Rears  in  a  lonely  and  well-watered  spot 
An  olive-tree  with  widely  spreading  boughs,  65 

Beautiful  with  fresh  shoots,  and  putting  forth 
White  blossoms,  gently  waved  by  every  wind, 
A  sudden  blast  descends  with  mighty  sweep 
And  tears  it  from  its  bed,  and  lays  it  prone 
Upon  the  earth,  —  so  lay  Euphorbus,  skilled          70 
To  wield  the  spear  and  son  of  Panthoiis,  slain 
And  spoiled  by  Menelaus,  Atreus'  son. 
As  when  a  lion  of  the  mountain  wilds, 
Fearless  and  strong,  bears  from  the  browsing  herd 
The  fairest  of  the  kine,  and  breaks  her  neck  75 

With  his  strong  teeth,  and,  tearing  her,  devours 
The  bloody  entrails,  while  a  clamorous  throng 
Of  dogs  and  herdsmen,  with  incessant  cries, 
Gather  around  him,  yet  approach  him  not, 
Withheld  by  fear,  so  of  the  warriors  round  &> 

The  gallant  Menelaus  none  could  find 
The  courage  to  encounter  him  ;  and  then 


Book  XVI I.  135 

Atricles  easily  had  borne  away 

The  sumptuous  armor  worn  by  Pantho:is'  son, 

If  envious  Apollo  had  not  moved  s3 

Hector  to  meet  him.      Putting  on  the  form 

Of  Mentes,  chief  of  the  Ciconian  band, 

He  said  to  him  aloud,  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Hector,  thou  art  pursuing  what  thy  feet 
Will  never  overtake,  the  steeds  which  draw  9° 

The  chariot  of  Achilles.     Hard  it  were 
For  mortal  man  to  tame  them  or  to  guide, 
Save  for  Achilles,  goddess-born.     Meanwhile 
Hath  warlike  Menelaus,  Atreus'  son, 
Guarding  the  slain  Patroclus,  overthrown  «s 

Euphorbus,  bravest  of  the  Trojan  host, 
A  son  of  Panthoiis  ;  he  will  fight  no  more." 

Thus  spake  the  god,  and  disappeared  among 
The  warring  squadrons.     Bitter  was  the  grief 
That  seized  the  heart  of  Hector  as  he  looked        100 
Along  the  ranks  and  saw  the  Greek  bear  off 
The  sumptuous  arms,  and  saw  the  Trojan  lie 
Weltering  in  blood.     At  once  he  made  his  way 
To  the  front  rank,  all  armed  in  glittering  brass, 
And  with  loud  shouts.      As  terrible  he  came         105 
As  Vulcan's  inextinguishable  fires. 
The  son  of  Atreus  heard  that  mighty  shout, 
\nd  thus  to  his  great  soul  lamenting  said  :  — 

"  If  I  abandon  these  rich  spoils  and  leave 
Patroclus,  who  has  perished  in  my  cause,  "» 

I  fear  the  Greeks  will  look  upon  the  act 


136  The  Iliad. 

With  indignation.     If,  through  dread  of  shame, 

I  fight  alone  with  Hector  and  his  men, 

I  fear  to  be  o'erwhelmed  by  multitudes, 

For  crested  Hector  leads  the  whole  array  »s 

Of  Trojans  hither.     Yet  why  question  thus  ? 

For  when  a  warrior  ventures  to  assault 

One  whom  a  god  protects,  a  bitter  doom 

Is  his.     Then  none  of  all  the  Greeks  should  Liame 

If  I  give  way  to  Hector,  whom  a  god  »«< 

Hath  sent  against  me.     Yet  could  I  but  hear 

The  voice  of  mighty  Ajax,  we  would  both 

Return,  and  even  against  a  god  renew 

The  combat,  that  we  haply  might  restore 

Patroclus  to  Achilles,  Peleus'  son.  «\ 

Such  in  this  choice  of  evils  were  the  least." 

As  thus  he  mused,  the  men  of  Troy  came  on, 
With  Hector  at  their  head.     The  Greek  gave  way 
And  left  the  slain.     As  when  a  lion,  driven 
With  pikes  and  clamor  from  the  herdsman's  stalls  13* 
By  men  and  dogs,  unwillingly  retreats, 
Kis  valiant  heart  still  raging  in  his  breast, 
So  did  the  fair-haired  Menelaus  leave 
Patroclus.     When  he  reached  the  Grecian  ranks, 
He  turned  and  stood  and  looked  about  to  find      •* 
The  mighty  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon, 
And  him  he  soon  beheld  on  the  left  edge 
Of  battle,  rallying  there  and  heartening 
His  men  ;  for  Phoebus  from  above  had  sent 
A  panic  fear  among  them.     To  him  then  -4. 


Book  XVII.  137 

The  son  of  Atreus  went  in  haste  and  said  :  — 

"  Ajax,  my  friend,  come  hither  where  we  fight 
Around  Patroclus.     Let  us  strive  at  least 
To  bring  Achilles  back  the  hero's  corpse, 
Though  stripped  ;  for  crested  Hector  hath  his  arms." 
He  spake  ;  the  courage  of  the  warlike  son          M« 
Of  Telamon  was  kindled  by  his  words. 
To  the  front  rank  he  hastened,  and  with  him 
Went  fair-haired  Menelaus.     Hector  there 
Had  spoiled  Patroclus  of  his  glorious  arms,  150 

And  now  was  dragging  him  apart  to  hew 
The  head  away  with  his  keen  sword,  and  give 
The  body  to  the  dogs  of  Troy.     Just  then 
Came  Ajax,  bearing,  like  a  tower,  his  shield, 
And  Hector  mingled  with  the  Trojan  ranks,          15? 
And  leaped  into  his  car ;  but  first  he  gave 
His  friends  the  glittering  spoil  to  bear  away 
To  Troy,  —  a  glory  to  the  conqueror  ; 
While  Ajax,  over  Mencetiades 

Holding  his  ample  shield,  stood  firm  as  stands     i«o 
A  lion  o'er  his  whelps,  when,  as  he  comes 
Leading  them  through  the  wood,  the  hunters  rush 
Upon  him,  and  his  look  is  terrible 
As  his  knit  eyebrows  cover  his  fierce  eyes. 
So  Ajax  moved  around  the  hero's  corpse,  165 

While  warlike  Menelaus  by  his  side, 
The  son  of  Atreus,  stood  ?n  bitter  grief. 

Then  with  a  look  of  anger,  Giaucus  spake  — 
Son  of  Hippolochus,  and  chief  among 


138  The  Iliad. 

The    Lycians  —  thus   to    Hector  :    "  Though   thy 
form,  i/» 

Hector,  be  noble,  yet  in  prowess  thou 
Art  wanting,  and  thy  fame  in  feats  of  war 
Is  not  deserved,  since  thou  dost  fly  the  foe. 
Think  whether  thou  alone,  with  others  born 
In  Troy,  canst  save  the  city  and  the  state.  «-s 

For  henceforth  will  no  Lycian  fight  for  Troy 
Against  the  Greeks  ;  this  conflict  without  end 
Has  never  earned  them  thanks.     Inglorious  chief! 
How  wilt  thou  be  the  shield  of  humbler  men, 
If  thou  canst  leave  Sarpedon,  who  has  been          iso 
Thy  comrade  and  thy  guest,  to  be  the  prey 
And  spoil  of  the  Greek  warriors  ?     While  he  lived, 
Great  was  the  aid  he  brought  thy  cause  and  thee, 
And  now  thou  dost  not  seek  to  drive  away 
The  dogs  from  his  neglected  corpse.     For  this,     »as 
If  any  of  the  Lycians  heed  my  words, 
They  will  go  home,  and  imminent  will  be 
The  ruin  of  thy  city.     If  that  firm 
And  resolute  valor  lived  in  Trojan  hearts 
Which  they  should  cherish  who  in  the  defence      190 
Of  their  own  country  bear  the  toils  and  face 
The  dangers  of  the  field,  we  might  this  hour 
Drag  off  the  slain  Patroclus  into  Troy. 
And  should  we  bear  him  from  the  thick  of  fight 
To  the  great  city  of  Priam,  soon  the  Greeks          195 
Would  let  us  ransom  the  rich  armor  worn 
By  our  Sarpedon,  and  bring  back  his  corpse  ; 


Book  XVII.  139 

For  he  lies  slain  who  was  the  bosom  friend 

Of  the  most  valiant  chieftain  at  the  fleet 

Of  Greece  and  leader  of  her  bravest  men.  200 

But  thoii,  when  great-souled  Ajax  fixed  his  eye 

Upon  thee,  didst  not  venture  to  remain 

And  fight  with  him  ;  he  is  more  brave  than  thou." 

The  crested  Hector  frowned  and  thus  replied  :  — 
''  Why,  Glaucus,  should  a  warrior  such  as  thou      *os 
Utter  such  violent  words  ?     My  friend,  I  deemed 
That  thou  wert  wise  above  all  other  men 
Of  fertile  Lycia,  but  I  now  must  blame 
Thy  judgment  when  thou  say'st  I  shrink  to  meet 
The  mighty  Ajax.     I  do  neither  dread  210 

The  battle's  fury  nor  the  rush  of  steeds  ; 
But  all-prevailing  are  the  purposes 
Of  aegis-bearing  Jove,  who  makes  the  brave 
To  flee,  and  takes  from  him  the  victory, 
And  then  again  impels  him  to  the  fight.  215 

Come  then,  my  friend,  stand  by  me  ;  see  if  I 
Skulk  this  time  from  the  conflict,  as  thou  say'st, 
Or  tame  the  courage  of  whatever  Greek, 
The  bravest,  who  defends  Patroclus  slain." 

He  spake,  and,  shouting,  cheered  the  Trojans  on  : 
"Trojans  and  Lycians  and  Dardanians,  trained    ™ 
To  combat  hand  to  hand,  let  it  be  seen, 
My  friends,  that  ye  are  men,  and  still  retain 
Your  ancient  valor ;  while  I  buckle  on 
The  glorious  armor  of  the  illustrious  son  ™s 

Of  Peleus,  taken  from   Patroclus  slain  " 


140  T/ic  Iliad. 

So  spake  the  crested  Hector,  and  withdrew 
From  the  fierce  conflict,  and  with  rapid  steps 
O'ertook  his  comrades  as  they  bore  away 
Townward  the  glorious  arms  of  Peleus'  son.          23* 
There  from  that  deadly  strife  apart  he  stood, 
And  changed  his  coat  of  mail.      He  gave  his  own 
To  his  companions,  to  be  carried  thence 
To  sacred  Ilium,  and  he  buckled  on 
The  immortal  armor  of  Achilles,  son  *n 

Of  Peleus,  which  the  gods  of  heaven  bestowed 
Upon  his  father,  who  in  his  old  age 
Consigned  them  to  Achilles  ;  but  the  son 
Was  never  in  that  armor  to  grow  old. 

And  when  the  Cloud-compeller  Jove  beheld      ** 
Hector  apart,  accoutred  in  the  arms 
Of  Peleus'  godlike  son,  he  shook  his  head, 
And  to  himself  he  said  :  "  Unhappy  man  ! 
Death  even  now  is  near  to  thee,  and  yet 
Is  not  in  all  thy  thoughts.     Thou  puttest  on         245 
The  heavenly  armor  of  the  terrible  chief, 
Before  whom  others  tremble  ;  thou  hast  slain 
His  friend,  the  brave  and  gentle,  and  hast  stripped, 
To  do  him  shame,  the  armor  from  his  limbs. 
Yet  will  I  for  the  moment  give  to  thee  w 

Fresh  triumphs,  since  Andromache  shall  ne'er 
Receive,  when  thou  returnest  from  the  field, 
The  armor  of  Pelides  from  thy  hands." 

The  son  of  Saturn  spake,  and  gave  the  nod 
With  his  dark  brows.     Well  did  that  coat  of  mail    255 


Book  XVIL  141 

Suit  Hector's  form.     Meantime  the  ^od  of  war 
In  all  his  fierceness  entered  Hectors  breast  : 
Fresh  vigor  filled  and  nerved  his  frame  ;  he  went 
Along  the  ranks  of  his  renowned  allies 
With  shouts;  that  glittering  armor  made  him  seem  •&> 
The  large-souled  son  of  Peleus.     To  them  all 
He  spake  in  turn,  encouraging  their  hearts,  — 
To  Mesthles,  Glaucus,  and  Thersilochus, 
Medon,  Deisenor,  and  Hippothoiis, 
Asteropasus,  Phorcys,  Chromius,  *s 

And  Ennomus  the  Augur ;  these  the  chief 
Exhorted  to  the  fight  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Hear  me,  ye  mighty  throng  of  our  allies, 
Dwellers  of  nations  round  us  !     Not  to  make 
Our  army  vast  in  numbers  did  I  send  27° 

To  summon  you,  each  from  his  native  town, 
But  that  your  willing  valor  might  defend 
The  wives  and  children  of  the  sons  of  Troy 
From  the  assailing  Greeks.     I  therefore  give 
Most  freely  of  our  substance  in  large  gifts  275 

And  banquets,  that  ye  all  may  be  content ; 
And  now  let  some  of  you  move  boldly  on 
To  do  or  die,  which  is  the  chance  of  war. 
To  him  who  from  the  field  will  drag  and  bring 
The  slain  Patroclus  to  the  Trojan  knights,  •& 

Compelling  Ajax  to  give  way,  —  to  him 
I  yield  up  half  the  spoil  ;  the  other  half 
I  keep,  and  let  his  glory  equal  mine." 

He  spake,  and  all  that  mighty  multitude 


142  The  Iliad. 

With  lifted  lances  threw  themselves  against  w 

The  Grecian  ranks.     They  hoped  to  bear  away 

The  dead  from  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon. 

Ah,  idle  hope  !  that  hero  o'er  the  dead 

Took  many  a  Trojan's  life.     Then  Ajax  thus 

To  Menelaus,  great  in  battle,  spake  :  —  ** 

"  O  friend,  O  Menelaus,  reared  by  Jove, 
No  longer  now  I  hope  our  safe  return 
From  battle.     Not  the  greatest  of  my  fears 
Is  for  Patroclus,  whom  the  dogs  of  Troy 
And  birds  of  prey  full  quickly  will  devour,  395 

But  for  my  life  and  thine.     That  cloud  of  war, 
Hector,  o'ershadows  all,  and  over  us 
Impends  the  doom  of  death.     Yet  let  us  call 
.Our  mighty  men,  if  they  perchance  may  hear." 

He  spake,  and  Menelaus,  great  in  war,  3°° 

Obeyed  his  wish  and  shouted  to  the  Greeks  :  — 

"  O  friends,  the  princes  and  the  chiefs  of  Greece, 
Who  at  the  public  feasts  with  Atreus'  sons  — 
King  Agamemnon  and  his  brother  chief  — 
Drink  wine,  —  who  each  command  a  host,  and  hold 
Your  honors  and  your  state  from  Jove,  —  my  eyes 
Cannot  discern  you  in  the  thick  of  fight ; 
But  some  of  you,  who  cannot  bear  to  leave 
Patroclus  to  the  dogs  of  Troy,  draw  near !  " 

He  spake  ;  Oilean  Ajax,  swift  of  foot,  w 

Heard  and  came  forward,  hastening  through  the 

fight; 
And  after  him  Idomeneus,  who  brought 


Book  XVII.  143 

Meriones,  his  armor-bearer,  fierce 
As  the  man-slayer  Mars.     But  who  could  tell 
The  names  of  all  the  other  Greeks  that  sprang     3*5 
To  mingle  in  the  strife  ?     The  Trojans  made 
The  first  assault,  and  Hector  led  them  on. 

As  at  the  mouth  of  some  great  river,  swoln 
By  rains  from  Jove,  the  mighty  ocean-wave 
Meets  it  with  roaring,  and  the  cliffs  around  *» 

Rebellow,  while  the  surges  toss  without, 
With  such  a  clamor  came  the  Trojans  on, 
While  round  Patroclus  closed,  with  one  accord, 
The  Greeks,  protected  by  their  brazen  shields, 
And  o'er  their  shining  helmets  Saturn's  son  325 

Poured  darkness.     For  when  Mencetiades 
Yet  lived,  attendant  upon  Peleus'  son, 
Jove  looked  on  him  with  no  unkind  regard, 
And  now  he  would  not  that  his  corse  should  feed 
The  enemy's  dogs,  and  therefore  moved  his  friends 
To  rescue  him.     At  first  the  Trojans  drave  33' 

The  dark -eyed  Greeks  before  them  ;  back  they  fell 
And  left  the  dead  ;  yet,  fiercely  as  they  came, 
The  Trojans  slew  no  man,  but  dragged  away 
The  dead.     A  moment,  and  no  more,  the  Greeks  335 
Fell  back  ;  for  Ajax  quickly  rallied  them,  — 
Ajax,  who,  next  to  Peleus'  valiant  son, 
Excelled  them  all  in  form  and  feats  of  war  ; 
He  through  the  foremost  warriors  brak^,  as  strong 
As  a  wild  boar  that  on  the  mountain's  side  340 

Breaks  through  the  shrubs,  and  scatters  with  a  bound 


144  The  Iliad. 

A  band  of  youths  and  dogs.     The  illustrious  son 

Of  honored  Telamon  thus  put  to  rout 

The  Trojan  phalanxes  environing 

Patroclus,  in  the  hope  to  bear  him  thence  345 

Townward  with  glory.     There  Hippothoiis,  son 

Of  Lethus  the  Pelasgian,  having  bound 

A  thong  about  the  sinewy  ankle,  toiled 

To  drag  away  the  slain  man  by  the  foot 

From  that  fierce  strife,  —  a  grateful  spectacle         350 

To  Hector  and  the  Trojans.     Yet  on  him 

A  vengeance  which  no  friendly  arm  could  ward 

Fell  suddenly.     The  son  of  Telamon 

Rushed  through  the  crowd,  and  in  close  combat 

smote 

His  helmet's  brazen  cheek.     That  plumed  helm  355 
Was  cleft  by  the  huge  spear  and  vigorous  hand, 
And  where  the  weapon  struck  Hippothoiis, 
Mingled  with  blood  the  brain  gushed  forth ;  the  life 
Forsook  his  limbs;  he  dropped  from  nerveless  hands 
The  foot  of  brave  Patroclus,  and  beside 
The  corpse  fell  headlong,  —  far  from  the  rich  fields 
Of  his  Larissa,  never  to  repay 
With  gentle  cares  in  their  old  age  the  love 
Of  his  dear  parents  ;  for  his  life  was  short, 
Slain  by  the  spear  of  Ajax,  large  of  soul.  365 

Then  Hector  aimed  again  his  shining  spear 
At  Ajax,  who  perceived  it  as  it  came, 
And  just  avoided  it.     The  weapon  struck 
Schedius,  the  valiant  son  of  Iphitus, 


Book  XVII.  145 

And  bravest  of  the  Phocians,  whose  abode  j?o 

Was  Panopeus  the  famous,  where  he  ruled 

O'er  many  men.     Beneath  the  collar-bone 

It  pierced  him,  and  passed  through  ;    the  brazen 

point 

Came  out  upon  the  shoulder ;  to  the  ground 
He  fell,  his  armor  clashing  with  his  fall.  w 

Then  Ajax  smote  the  valiant  Phorcys,  son 
Of  Phoenops,  in  the  navel.     Through  the  mail 
The  brazen  weapon  broke,  and  roughly  tore 
The  entrails.     In  the  dust  he  fell,  and  clenched 
The  earth  with  dying  hands.     The  foremost  ranks, 
Led  by  illustrious  Hector,  at  the  sight  381 

Yielded  the  ground  ;  the  Greeks  with  fearful  shouts 
Dragged  off  the  bodies  of  Hippothous 
And  Phorcys,  and  despoiled  them  of  their  arms. 

Then  would  the  Trojans  have  been  put  to  flight  385 
Before  the  warlike  Greeks,  and,  craven-like, 
Gone  up  to  Troy,  and  great  had  been  the  fame 
Gained  by  the  might  and  courage  of  the  Greeks, 
Beyond  what  Jupiter  designed  to  give, 
Had  not  Apollo  brought  ^Eneas  forth  y» 

By  putting  on  the  form  of  Periphas, 
The  herald  and  the  son  of  Epytus, 
Who  in  that  office  as  a  prudent  friend 
And  counsellor  had  served,  till  he  grew  old, 
The  father  of  ^Eneas.     In  his  shape  #5 

Thus  spake  Apollo,  son  of  Jupiter  :  — 
"  ^Eneas,  ye  might  even  hold  the  towers 
VOL.  n.  7  j 


146  The  Iliad. 

Of  lofty  Ilium  safe  against  a  god, 

Were  ye  to  act  as  some  whom  I  have  seen,  — 

Valiant,  and  confident  in  their  own  might  4« 

And  multitude  of  dauntless  followers. 

And  now  Jove  favors  us  and  offers  us 

The  victory  o'er  the  Greeks,  and  yet  ye  flee 

In  abject  terror,  and  refuse  to  fight." 

He  spake ;  ^Eneas,  looking  at  him,  knew          *o= 
The  archer-god,  and  with  a  mighty  voice 
Called  out  to  Hector  :    "  Hector !  thou  and  all 
Who  lead  the  troops  of  Troy,  and  our  allies, 
Great  shame  it  were  if  we  were  put  to  rout 
Before  the  warlike  Greeks,  and  beaten  back          -m 
To  Troy  like  cowards.     Standing  by  my  side, 
One  of  the  gods  already  hath  declared 
That  Jupiter,  All-wise,  is  our  ally 
In  battle.     Let  us  therefore  boldly  fall 
Upon  the  Greeks,  nor  suffer  them  to  bear  w 

Patroclus  unmolested  to  their  fleet." 

He  spake,  and,  springing  to  the  foremost  ranks, 
Stood  firm  ;  the  Trojans  also  turned  and  faced 
The  Achaians.     Then  tineas  with  his  spear 
Struck  down  Leocritus,  the  gallant  friend  *x 

Of  Lycomedes  and  Arisbas'  son. 
The  warlike  Lycomedes  saw  his  fall 
With  grief,  and  came  and  cast  his  shining  spear 
At  Apisaon,  son  of  Hippasus, 
A  shepherd  of  the  people.     Underneath  •»-* 

The  midriff,  through  the  liver  went  the  spear, 


Book  XVII.  147 

And  he  fell  lifeless.     He  had  come  to  Troy 
From  rich  Paeonia,  and  was  great  in  war, 
Next  to  Asteropaeus.     As  he  saw 
His  comrade  fall,  Asteropaeus,  moved  430 

By  grief,  advanced  to  combat  with  the  Greeks, 
But  could  not ;  for  the  group  that  stood  around 
Patroclus  showed  a  fence  of  shields,  and  held 
Their  spears  before  them.     Ajax  moved  among 
The  warriors,  charging  them  that  none  should  leave 
The  corpse,  and  none  should  step  beyond  the  rest  436 
To  strike  the  foe,  but  stay  to  guard  the  dead, 
And  combat  hand  to  hand.     Such  was  the  charge 
Of  mighty  Ajax.     All  the  earth  around 
Was  steeped  with  blood,  and  many  a  corpse  was 
heaped  440 

On  corpse  of  Trojans  and  their  brave  allies, 
And  of  the  Greeks,  for  even  on  their  side 
The  strife  was  not  unbloody,  though  of  Greeks 
There  perished  fewer ;  each  was  on  the  watch 
To  ward  the  battle's  dangers  from  the  rest.  445 

Then  did  they  fight  like  fire.     You  could  not  say 
The  sun  was  safe,  nor  yet  the  moon,  so  thick 
A  darkness  gathered  over  the  brave  men 
Around  the  corpse  of  Mencetiades. 
The  other  Trojans  and  the  well-armed  Greeks       4?.- 
Fought  freely  und^r  the  clear  sky  ;  the  sun 
Shed  o'er  them  his  full  brightness ;  not  a  cloud 
Shadowed  the  earth,  or  rested  on  tne  hills. 
From  time  to  time  they  paused,  and  warily 


148  The  Iliad. 

They  shunned  each  other's  cruel  darts,  and  kept  455 

Far  from  each  other,  while  in  the  mid-war 

Struggled  the  combatants  in  darkness,  galled 

By  the  remorseless  weapons  of  their  foes. 

Yet  Thrasymedes  and  Antilochus, 

Two  famous  Grecian  warriors,  had  not  learned      460 

That  excellent  Patroclus  was  no  more, 

But  thought  that,  still  alive,  he  led  the  war 

Against  the  Trojans,  fighting  in  the  van. 

They  watched  the  flight  and  slaughter  of  the  Greeks, 

And  fought  apart,  for  Nestor  so  enjoined,  465 

Who  sent  them  to  the  battle  from  the  fleet. 

But  they  who  held  the  middle  space  around 
The  friend  of  swift  ^Eacides,  maintained 
A  desperate  strife  all  day ;  the  knees,  the  thighs, 
The  feet,  the  hands,  the  eyes  of  those  who  fought  4?° 
Were  faint  with  weariness  and  foul  with  sweat. 
As  when  an  ample  ox-hide,  steeped  in  fat, 
Is  given  to  workmen  to  be  stretched,  they  stand 
Around  it  in  a  circle,  pulling  it, 
Till  forth  the  moisture  issues,  and  the  oil  4w 

Enters  the  skin,  and  by  that  constant  strain 
From  many  hands  the  hide  is  duly  stretched, 
So  in  small  space  the  warriors  drew  the  dead 
Hither  and  thither  ;  they  of  Ilium  strove 
To  drag  it  to  the  city,  they  of  Greece  481 

To  bear  it  to  the  fleet.     The  tumult  then 
Was  terrible,  and  neither  Mars  himself, 
'The  musterer  of  hosts,  nor  Pallas,  roused 


Book  XVII.  149 

To  hfcf  intensest  wrath,  had  they  been  near 
The  struggle,  would  have  seen  it  with  disdain.       485 
Such  deadly  strife  of  steeds  and  men  was  held 
O'er  slain  Patroclus  by  the  will  of  Jove. 

The  great  Achilles  knew  not  yet  the  fate 
Of  his  Patroclus,  for  the  warriors  fought 
Far  from  the  fleet,  beside  the  wall  of  Troy.  4*> 

He  never  thought  of  him  as  one  whose  death 
Was  near,  but  trusted  that,  when  once  he  reached 
The  Trojan  wall,  he  would  return  alive ; 
Nor  ever  deemed  he  that  without  his  aid, 
Or  even  with  it,  would  Patroclus  sack  495 

The  city.     This  was  what  he  oft  had  heard 
From  Thetis,  who  disclosed  to  him  apart 
The  counsel  of  Almighty  Jupiter. 
Yet  had  his  mother  never  once  revealed 
The  present  evil, — that  the  one  whom  most         y>c 
He  loved  of  all  his  friends  should  perish  thus. 

Still  round  the  dead  they  fought  with  their  keen 

spears, 

And  slew  each  other.  Then  of  the  mailed  Greeks 
Some  one  would  say  :  "  O  friends,  it  were  disgrace 
Should  we  fall  back  upon  our  roomy  ships.  s°s 

First  let  the  dark  earth  swallow  us  ;  for  this 
Were  better  than  to  let  the  Trojan  knights 
Drag  off  the  dead  in  triumph  to  their  town." 

And  some  among  the  large-souled  sor.s  of  Troy 
Would  say  :  "  O  friends,  though  all  of  us  should  fall 
Beside  this  corpse,  let  no  one  turn  and  flee."         vi 


150  The  Iliad. 

Thus  they,  encouraging  each  other,  spake, 
And  thus  the  fight  went  on.  The  iron  din 
Rose  through  the  waste  air  to  the  brazen  heaven. 

Meantime  aloof  from  battle  stood  the  steeds     s>5 
Of  Peleus'  son,  and  sorrowed  when  they  knew 
That  he  who  guided  them  lay  stretched  in  dust 
By  Hector's  slaughtering  hand.     Automedon, 
The  brave  son  of  Diores,  often  tried 
The  lash,  and  gentle  words  as  oft,  and  oft  s=<> 

Shouted  forth  threats  ;  yet  neither  would  they  move 
Toward  the  broad  Hellespont,  where  lay  the  fleet, 
Nor  toward  the  Greeks  in  combat,  but  remained 
Motionless  as  a  funeral  column,  reared 
To  mark  a  man's  or  woman's  tomb.     So  stood      5=5 
The  coursers  yoked  to  that  magnificent  car, 
With  drooping  heads,  and  tears  that  from  their  lids 
Flowed  hot,  for  sorrow  at  the  loss  of  him 
Who  was  their  charioteer,  and  their  fair  manes, 
Sweeping  the  yoke  below,  were  foul  with  dust.      530 
The  son  of  Saturn  saw  their  grief,  and  shook 
His  head  in  pity,  saying  to  himself:  — 

"  Why  did  the  gods  bestow  you,  luckless  pair, 
On  Peleus,  —  on  a  king  of  mortal  birth,  — 
You  who  shall  never  feel  old  age  or  death  ?  535 

Was  it  that  ye  might  share  with  human-kind 
Their  sorrows  ?  for  the  race  of  mortal  men 
Of  all  that  breathe  and  move  upon  the  earth 
Is  the  most  wretched.     Yet  of  this  be  sure,  — 
That  ye  shall  never  in  that  sumptuous  car  5* 


Book  XVII.  151 

Bear  Hector.     Is  it  not  enough  that  he 
Should  wear  that  armor,  uttering  idle  boasts  ? 
And  now  will  I  infuse  into  your  limbs 
Spirit  and  strength,  that  ye  may  safely  bear 
Automedon  across  the  battle-field  545 

To  where  the  roomy  galleys  lie.     I  yet 
Must  give  more  glory  to  the  men  of  Troy, 
And  they  must  slay  until  they  come  again 
To  the  good  ships  of  Greece,  —  until  the  sun 
Goes  down  and  sacred  darkness  covers  all."          55° 

So  spake  the  god,  and  breathed  into  the  steeds 
New  life  and  vigor.     From  their  manes  they  shook 
The  dust,  and  flew  with  that  swift  car  among 
The  Greeks  and  Trojans.     With  the  Trojan  throng, 
Automedon,  though  mourning  his  slain  friend,       555 
Maintained  the  fight ;  he  rushed  upon  their  ranks, 
A  vulture  pouncing  on  a  flock  of  geese. 
Swiftly  he  passed  from  out  the  Trojan  throng ; 
Swiftly  again  he  charged  their  phalanxes 
In  fierce  pursuit.     Yet  slew  he  none  of  those        s<*> 
Whom  he  pursued  ;  he  could  not  guide  at  once 
The  steeds  and  cast  the  spear,  when  seated  thus 
Alone  within  that  sacred  car.     At  last 
A  friend,  the  valorous  Alcimedon, 
Laerces'  son,  of  vEmon's  line,  beheld  565 

His  plight,  and,  standing  near  his  chariot,  said  :  — 

"What  god,  Automedon,  hath  prompted  thee 
To  these  mad  acts,  and  stolen  thy  better  sense, 
Fighting  alone  among  the  foremost  ranks 


152  The  Iliad. 

Of  Trojan  warriors,  thy  companion  slain,  570 

And  Hector  in  the  field,  who  boastfully 
Stalks  in  the  armor  of  JEacides?" 

And  thus  Automedon,  Diores'  son, 
Made  answer  :  "  Who  is  there  among  the  Greeks 
Able  like  thee,  Alcimedon,  to  rein  575 

And  curb  the  spirit  of  immortal  steeds  ? 
None  were  there  save  Patroclus  while  he  lived, 
Wise  as  a  god  in  council.     Death  and  fate 
Now  hold  him.     To  thy  hand  I  give  the  lash 
And  shining  reins,  while  I  descend  and  fight."      580 

He  spake,  and  into  his  swift  chariot  sprang 
Alcimedon,  and  took  the  lash  and  reins. 
Automedon  leaped  down.     As  Hector  saw, 
He  thus  bespake  ^Eneas  at  his  side  :  — 

"  ^neas,  leader  of  the  men  of  Troy,  &$ 

Equipped  in  brazen  armor,  I  have  seen 
Those  coursers  of  the  swift  ^Cacides 
Driven  through  the  battle  by  unwarlike  hands, 
And  't  is  my  hope,  if  thou  wilt  give  thine  aid, 
To  seize  them.     They  who  guide  them  will  not  dare 
To  stand  and  face  us  when  we  make  the  charge."  5?' 

He  spake  ;  Anchises'  valiant  son  complied, 
And,  sheltered  by  their  shields  of  tough  ox-hide, 
Well  dried  and  firm,  and  strong  with  plates  of  brass, 
The  twain  went  forward.     With  them  at  their  side  595 
Went  Chromius  and  Aretus,  nobly  formed, 
In  hope  to  lead  away  the  high-necked  steeds, 
Their  guardians  slain.     Vain  dreamers  !  they  were 
doomed 


Book  XVII.  153 

Not  without  bloody  penance  to  return 
From  that  encounter  with  Automedon,  «oo 

Who  prayed  to  Father  Jove,  and  whose  faint  heart 
Was  strengthened  and  made  bold.   And  thus  the  chief 
Said  to  his  faithful  friend  Alcimedon  :  — 

"  Keep  not  the  steeds  thou  guidest  far  from  me, 
Alcimedon,  but  let  them  ever  breathe  <*>5 

Upon  my  shoulders.     Hector,  Priam's  son, 
I  think,  will  not  give  over  this  assault 
Before  he  either  slays  us,  and  ascends 
The  car  to  which  these  steeds  with  flowing  manes 
Are  yoked,  and  puts  to  flight  the  phalanxes  ^0 

Of  Argive  warriors,  or  himself  is  slain." 

He  spake,  and  called  to  both  the  Ajaxes 
And  Menelaus  :  "  Ye  who  lead  the  Greeks," 
He  said,  and  named  the  chieftains,  "  give  in  charge 
The  dead  to  your  best  warriors,  to  surround          6i5 
And  guard  the  corpse,  and  drive  away  the  foe ; 
But  hasten  to  avert  the  evil  day 
From  us  who  are  alive.     For  even  now 
Hector  comes  rushing  through  the  deadly  fight, 
And  brings  y£neas  ;  these  are  the  most  brave       e» 
Of  all  the  Trojan  army.     On  the  knees 
Of  the  great  gods  the  issue  rests.     I  too 
WTill  cast  the  spear,  and  leave  the  rest  to  Jove." 

He  spake,  and  lifting  his  huge  spear  he  smote 
The  round  shield  of  Aretus.     There  the  blade      <«5 
Stopped  not,  but,  entering,  pierced  him  through  the 
belt. 

7* 


154  The  Iliad. 

As,  when  a  vigorous  youth  with  a  keen  axe 
Strikes  a  wild  bull  behind  the  horns,  and  there 
Severs  the  sinews,  forward  leaps  the  beast 
And  falls,  —  Aretus,  springing  forward  thus,         6* 
Fell  headlong.     In  the  Trojan's  entrails  still 
Quivered  the  spear,  and  life  forsook  his  limbs. 

Then  Hector  aimed,  to  smite  Automedon, 
His  shining  spear.     The  Greek  beheld  and  stooped, 
And  shunned  the  brazen  weapon.     Down  it  came,  635 
And  plunged  into  the  earth,  and  stood,  its  stem 
Still  shaken  with  the  blow,  and  spent  its  force. 
Now  would  the  twain  have  turned,  and  hand  to  hand 
Fought  with  their  swords,  when  suddenly  came  up 
The  warriors  Ajax,  hastening,  at  the  call  ^ 

Of  their  companion,  through  the  crowd,  and  stayed 
The  combat.     Hector  and  yEneas  then, 
And  Chromius,  of  the  godlike  form,  withdrew 
Through  caution,  leaving  on  the  battle-field 
Aretus  lying  mangled.     The  fierce  chief  643 

Automedon  despoiled  the  dead,  and  spake 
Boastfully  :  "  Somewhat  lighter  on  my  heart 
Lies  now  my  grief  for  Menoetiades, 
Though  I  have  slain  a  man  of  meaner  note." 

As  thus  he  spake,  he  threw  the  bloody  spoils     esc 
Into  his  chariot,  mounting  to  the  seat, 
His  feet  and  hands  all  crimson  with  the  blood, 
As  when  a  lion  has  devoured  an  ox. 
Then  round  Patroclus  raged  the  strife  again, 
Murderous  and  sad  to  see ;  for  Pallas  there          ssj 


Book  XVH.  155 

Inflamed  the  strife,  sent  down  from  heaven  by  Jove, 

To  rouse  the  courage  of  the  Greeks,  since  such 

Was  now  his  will.     As  when  the  god  displays 

To  men  a  purple  rainbow  in  the  skies, 

A  sign  of  war  or  of  a  bitter  storm,  <** 

Which  drives  the  laborer  from  his  task,  and  makes 

The  cattle  droop,  so,  in  a  purple  cloud 

Concealed,  she  went  among  the  Greeks,  and  filled 

Their  hearts  with  valor.     Taking  first  the  form 

Of  Phoenix,  and  his  clear,  unwearied  voice,  so3 

She  spake  in  stirring  words  to  Atreus'  son, 

The  gallant  Menelaus,  standing  near  : 

"  Shame  and  dishonor  will  it  be  to  thee, 

O  Menelaus,  if,  beneath  the  walls 

Of  Troy,  the  hungry  dogs  should  tear  the  corpse  670 

Of  him  who  was  in  life  the  faithful  friend 

Of  great  Achilles.     Fight  thou  therefore  on 

Bravely,  and  bid  the  other  Greeks  be  brave." 

And  Menelaus,  great  in  war,  rejoined  : 
"  O  Phcenix,  aged  father,  who  wert  born  675 

In  days  long  past,  would  but  Minerva  give 
The  needed  strength,  and  ward  from  me  the  stroke 
Of  weapons,  then  would  I  stand  by  and  guard 
Patroclus,  for  his  death  hath  filled  my  heart 
With  grief.     But  Hector's  rage  is  like  the  rage      «k 
Of  fire  ;  he  ceases  not  to  slay  ;  for  Jove 
Gives  to  his  spear  the  glory  of  the  day." 

He  spake,  and  well  was  blue-eyed  Pallas  pleased 
That  first  to  her  of  all  the  deities 


156  The  Iliad. 

He  prayed  ;  and  therefore  did  she  nerve  his  chest  sss 

And  knees  with  strength,  and  put  into  his  heart 

The  daring  of  the  fly,  that,  often  driven- 

From  man,  returns  and  bites,  and  finds  how  sweet 

Is  human  blood.     Such  resolute  zeal  she  woke 

In  his  stern  soul,  as  quickly  he  approached  t>?° 

Patroclus,  and  sent  forth  his  shining  spear. 

Among  the  Trojans  was  Eetion's  son, 

Podes,  the  rich  and  brave,  whom  Hector  held 

In  highest  honor,  choosing  him  to  be 

Companion  of  his  feasts.     Him  in  the  waist          695 

The  fair-haired  Menelaus,  as  he  fled, 

Smote,  driving  home  the  weapon.     With  a  clash 

He  fell  to  earth,  and  Menelaus  drew 

The  slain  away  among  the  Grecian  ranks. 

Then  came  Apollo,  putting  on  the  form  7<*> 

Of  Phasnops,  son  of  Asius,  whose  abode 

Was  in  Abydos,  and  whom  Hector  most 

Esteemed  of  all  his  guests.     The  archer-god 

Drew  near  to  Hector,  and  bespake  him  thus  :  — 

"  Hector,  what  other  Greek  will  fear  thee  now,   w 
Since  thou  dost  shrink  from  Menelaus,  deemed 
Effeminate  in  war?     Behold,  he  drags 
Away  a  warrior  from  thy  host ;  his  hand 
Hath  slain  thy  faithful  friend,  Eetion's  son, 
Brave  Podes,  righting  in  the  foremost  ranks."         ?"> 

He  spake  :  a  cloud  of  sorrow  overspread 
The  soul  of  Hector.     Armed  in  glittering  brass, 
He  went  among  the  warriors  in  the  van. 


Book  XVII.  157 

Then  did  the  son  of  Saturn  lift  on  high 

His  fringed  cegis,  gleaming  ;  with  a  cloud  715 

He  covered  Ida,  sent  his  lightnings  down, 

And  thundered  terribly,  and  made  the  mount 

Shake  to  its  base,  and  gave  the  victory 

To  Troy,  and  put  to  rout  the  Grecian  host. 

Peneleus  of  Bosotia  led  the  fight.  7^ 

A  spear  that  lighted  on  the  shoulder-tip, 
As  he  came  forward,  wounded  him.     The  blade, 
Hurled  by  Polydamas  in  close  assault, 
Entered  and  grazed  the  bone.     Then  Hector  pierced 
The  wrist  of  Lei'tus,  Alectryon's  son,  723 

And  made  him  leave  the  combat.     As  he  fled 
He  looked  around  in  fear,  nor  hoped  again 
To  wield  the  spear  against  the  men  of  Troy. 
As  Hector  followed  Lei'tus,  he  met 
The  long  spear  of  Idomeneus,  which  struck  730 

His  corselet  near  the  pap  ;  the  weapon  broke 
Sheer  at  the  socket,  and  the  Trojans  raised 
A  shout,  while  Hector  at  Idomeneus 
Let  fly  his  spear.     It  missed  the  chief,  but  smote 
Coeranus,  who  from  pleasant  Lyctus  came,  735 

The  friend  and  follower  of  Meriones. 
For  on  that  day  Idomeneus  had  come 
From  his  good  ships  on  foot,  and  great  had  been 
The  triumph  of  the  Trojans  at  his  fall, 
If  Cceranus  had  not  with  his  swift  steeds  74° 

Passed  near  and  bid  him  mount.     Twas  thus  he 
came 


158  The  Iliad. 

To  save  Idomeneus  from  death,  and  yield 

To  the  man-queller  Hector  his  own  life  ; 

The  javelin  entered  underneath  the  ear, 

By  the  jaw-bone,  where,  forcing  out  the  teeth,       745 

It  cleft  the  tongue  in  twain.     He  fell  to  earth, 

And  dropped  the  reins.     Meriones  stooped  down 

And  took  them  from  the  dust  in  his  own  hands, 

And  thus  bespake  Idomeneus  :  "  Ply  well 

The  lash,  until  thy  coursers  reach  the  fleet,  750 

For  thou  mayst  clearly  see  that  victory 

To-day  is  not  upon  the  Grecian  side." 

He  spake  :  Idomeneus,  fear-smitten,  lashed 
The  long-maned  steeds  that  hurried  toward  the  fleet. 
Nor  now  did  Menelaus  nor  his  friend,  755 

The  valiant  Ajax,  fail  to  see  that  Jove 
Had  changed  the  vantage  to  the  side  of  Troy. 
And  thus  the  son  of  Telamon  began  :  — 

"  Alas  !  the  feeblest  mind  can  now  perceive 
That  Father  Jove  is  with  the  sons  of  Troy,  ?6« 

And  gives  to  them  the  glory  of  the  day. 
Their  weapons  smite,  whoever  sends  them  forth, 
Coward  or  brave,  for  Jove  directs  them  all  ; 
Ours  fall  to  earth  in  vain.     But  let  us  now 
Consult  how  best  to  bear  the  corpse  away,  765 

And  how,  returning,  we  may  meet  our  friends 
With  joy  ;  for  they  are  grieved  as  they  behold 
Our  plight,  and  fear  that  we  may  not  withstand 
The  fiery  onset  and  invincible  arm 
Of  the  man-queller  Hector.     Would  there  were    n* 


Book  XVII.  159 

Some  comrade  who  would  bear  to  Peleus'  son 

The  tidings  of  the  clay  !  for  he,  I  think, 

Has  not  yet  heard  that  his  dear  friend  is  slain. 

None  such  can  I  behold  of  all  the  Greeks, 

For  they  are  shrouded  all  —  their  steeds  and  they  — 

In  darkness.     Father  Jove,  deliver  us  776 

From  darkness  ;  clear  the  heavens  and  give  our  eyes 

Again  to  see.     Destroy  us  if  them  wilt, 

But  O  destroy  us  in  the  light  of  day  ! " 

He  spake :  the  All-Father  saw  him  shedding  tears, 
And  pitied  him,  and  bade  the  shadows  flee,  ?si 

And  swept  away  the  cloud.     The  sun  looked  forth, 
And  all  the  battle  lay  in  light.     Then  thus 
To  warlike  Menelaus  Ajax  said  :  — 

"O  Menelaus,  foster-child  of  Jove,  785 

Look  round  and  see  if  yet  Antilochus, 
The  large-souled  son  of  Nestor,  is  alive, 
And  bid  him  bear  the  tidings  in  all  haste 
To  the  great  son  of  Peleus,  that  the  one 
Of  all  his  friends  whom  most  he  loved  is  slain."    790 

He  spake,  and  Menelaus,  great  in  war, 
Complied,  and  hastened  forth,  as  from  a  fold 
A  lion  stalks  away,  that  long  has  kept 
In  fear  the  hounds  and  herdsmen,  who  all  night 
Have    watched    to  drive  him   from   their   well-fed 
beeves,  79, 

While,  eager  for  his  prey,  he  rushes  oft 
Against  them,  but  in  vain,  for  many  a  spear 
Is  hurled  at  him,  and  many  a  blazing  brand, 


158  The  Iliad. 

To  save  Idomeneus  from  death,  and  yield 

To  the  man-queller  Hector  his  own  life  ; 

The  javelin  entered  underneath  the  ear, 

By  the  jaw-bone,  where,  forcing  out  the  teeth,       74? 

It  cleft  the  tongue  in  twain.     He  fell  to  earth, 

And  dropped  the  reins.     Meriones  stooped  down 

And  took  them  from  the  dust  in  his  own  hands, 

And  thus  bespake  Idomeneus  :  "  Ply  well 

The  lash,  until  thy  coursers  reach  the  fleet,  750 

For  thou  mayst  clearly  see  that  victory 

To-day  is  not  upon  the  Grecian  side." 

He  spake  :  Idomeneus,  fear-smitten,  lashed 
The  long-maned  steeds  that  hurried  toward  the  fleet. 
Nor  now  did  Menelaus  nor  his  friend,  755 

The  valiant  Ajax,  fail  to  see  that  Jove 
Had  changed  the  vantage  to  the  side  of  Troy. 
And  thus  the  son  of  Telamon  began  :  — 

"  Alas  !  the  feeblest  mind  can  now  perceive 
That  Father  Jove  is  with  the  sons  of  Troy,  i<* 

And  gives  to  them  the  glory  of  the  day. 
Their  weapons  smite,  whoever  sends  them  forth, 
Coward  or  brave,  for  Jove  directs  them  all ; 
Ours  fall  to  earth  in  vain.     But  let  us  now 
Consult  how  best  to  bear  the  corpse  away,  765 

And  how,  returning,  we  may  meet  our  friends 
With  joy  ;  for  they  are  grieved  as  they  behold 
Our  plight,  and  fear  that  we  may  not  withstand 
The  fiery  onset  and  invincible  arm 
Of  the  man-queller  Hector.     Would  there  were    77" 


Book  XVH.  159 

Some  comrade  who  would  bear  to  Peleus'  son 

The  tidings  of  the  day  !  for  he,  I  think, 

Has  not  yet  heard  that  his  dear  friend  is  slain. 

None  such  can  I  behold  of  all  the  Greeks, 

For  they  are  shrouded  all  —  their  steeds  and  they — 

In  darkness.     Father  Jove,  deliver  us  776 

From  darkness  ;  clear  the  heavens  and  give  our  eyes 

Again  to  see.      Destroy  us  if  thou  wilt, 

But  O  destroy  us  in  the  light  of  day !" 

He  spake :  the  All-Father  saw  him  shedding  tears, 
And  pitied  him,  and  bade  the  shadows  flee,  781 

And  swept  away  the  cloud.     The  sun  looked  forth, 
And  all  the  battle  lay  in  light.     Then  thus 
To  warlike  Menelaus  Ajax  said  :  — 

"O  Menelaus,  foster-child  of  Jove,  785 

Look  round  and  see  if  yet  Antilochus, 
The  large-souled  son  of  Nestor,  is  alive, 
And  bid  him  bear  the  tidings  in  all  haste 
To  the  great  son  of  Peleus,  that  the  one 
Of  all  his  friends  whom  most  he  loved  is  slain."    790 

He  spake,  and  Menelaus,  great  in  war, 
Complied,  and  hastened  forth,  as  from  a  fold 
A  lion  stalks  away,  that  long  has  kept 
In  fear  the  hounds  and  herdsmen,  who  all  night 
Have   watched    to  drive  him   from   their   well-fed 
beeves,  79* 

While,  eager  for  his  prey,  he  rushes  oft 
Against  them,  but  in  vain,  for  many  a  spear 
Is  hurled  at  him,  and  many  a  blazing  brand, 


1 62  The  Iliad. 

A  messenger,  yet  think  he  will  not  come.  a& 

Though  royal  Hector's  deed  hath  roused  his  rage, 
Unarmed  he  cannot  meet  the  sons  of  Troy. 
Consult  we  then  how  we  may  best  convey 
The  body  to  the  ships,  and  how  ourselves 
Escape  the  doom  of  death  by  Trojan  hands."        860 

The  mighty  Ajax,  son  of  Telamon, 
Replied  :  "  O  Menelaus  far-renowned, 
Well  hast  thou  spoken.     Lift  thou  now  the  corse, 
Thou  and  Meriones,  and  place  yourselves 
Beneath  it,  and  convey  it  from  the  field.  S65 

We,  following  you,  will  combat  with  the  sons 
Of  Troy  and  noble  Hector,  —  we  who,  named 
Alike  and  one  in  spirit,  oft  have  borne 
The  fury  of  the  battle  side  by  side." 

He  ended,  and  the  warriors  in  their  arms  870 

Raised  with  main  strength  the  body  from  the  ground. 
The  Trojans,  as  they  saw  it  borne  away, 
Shouted  behind  them,  rushing  on  like  hounds 
That  spring  upon  a  wounded  forest-boar 
Before  the  hunter-youths  now  pressing  close  «?5 

Upon  his  flank,  to  tear  him,  then  again, 
Whene'er  he  turns  upon  them  in  his  strength, 
Retreating  in  dismay,  and  put  to  flight 
Hither  and  thither.     Thus,  in  hot  pursuit 
And  close  array,  the  Trojans  following  strook        8*> 
With  swords  and  two-edged  spears ;  but  when  the 

twain 
Turned  and  stood  firm  to  meet  them,  every  cheek 


Book  XVII.  163 

Grew  pale,  and  not  a  single  Trojan  dared 
Draw  near  the  Greeks  to  combat  for  the  corse. 

Thus  rapidly  they  bore  away  the  dead  885 

Toward  their  good  galleys  from  the  battle-field. 
Onward  with  them  the  furious  battle  swept, 
As  spreads  a  fire  that,  kindled  suddenly, 
Seizes  a  city,  and  the  dwellings  sink 
In  the  consuming  blaze,  and  a  strong  wind  890 

Roars  through  the  flame.     Such  fearful  din  of  steeds 
And  warriors  followed  the  retreating  Greeks. 
As  from  a  mountain  summit  strong-backed  mules 
Drag  over  the  rough  ways  a  ponderous  beam 
Or  mast,  till  weary  with  the  mighty  strain  s9s 

And  streaming  sweat,  so  they  with  resolute  toil 
Bore  off  the  dead.     Behind  them  as  they  went 
Their  two  defenders  kept  the  foe  aloof. 
As  when  a  river-dike  o'ergrown  with  trees 
Crosses  a  plain,  and  holds  the  violent  course        900 
Of  the  swoln  stream  in  check,  and,  driving  back 
The  waters,  spreads  them  o'er  the  level  fields, 
Nor  can  their  fury  force  a  passage  through,  — 
So  did  the  warriors  Ajax  hold  in  check 
The  Trojans ;  yet  they  followed  close,  and  two     9°s 
More  closely  than  the  rest,  —  ^Eneas,  son 
Of  old  Anchises,  and  the  illustrious  chief,  ' 
Hector.     As  when  a  company  of  daws 
Or  starlings,  startled  at  a  hawk's  approach, 
The  murderous  enemy  of  the  smaller  birds,  9>» 

wing  with  piercing  cries,  so,  driven  before 


164  The  Iliad. 

The  might  of  Hector  and  ^Eneas,  fled 

The  Greeks  with  clamorous  cries,  and  thought  no 

more 

Of  combat.     In  the  trench  and  near  it  lay- 
Many  fair  weapons,  which  the  fugitive  Greeks       915 
Had  dropped  in  haste,  and  still  the  war  went  on. 


BOOK     XVIII. 

AS  thus  they  fought  with  all  the  rage  of  fire, 
Antilochus,  the  nimble-footed,  came 
With  tidings  to  Achilles.     Him  he  found 
Before  his  lofty  galleys,  deep  in  thought 
Of  what  he  knew  had  happened.     With  a  sigh        s 
The  hero  to  his  mighty  spirit  said  :  — 

"  Ah  me  !  why  should  the  Grecians  thus  be  driven 
In  utter  disarray  across  the  plain  ? 
I  tremble  lest  the  gods  should  bring  to  pass 
What  most  I  dread.     My  mother  told  me  once      « 
That  the  most  valiant  of  the  Myrmidons, 
While  yet  I  live,  cut  off  by  Trojan  hands, 
Shall  see  the  sun  no  more.     It  must  be  so  : 
The  brave  son  of  Mencetius  has  been  slain. 
Unhappy  !     'T  was  my  bidding  that  when  once     v 
The  enemy  with  his  firebrands  was  repulsed, 
He  should  not  think  to  combat  gallantly 
With  Hector,  but  should  hasten  to  the  fleet." 


Book  XVIIL  165 

As  thus  he  mused,  illustrious  Nestor's  son 
Drew  near  Achilles,  and  with  eyes  that  shed  » 

Warm  tears  he  gave  his  sorrowful  message  thus  : — 

"  Son  of  the  warlike  Peleus,  woe  is  me  ! 
For  bitter  are  the  tidings  thou  must  hear 
Of  what  should  not  have  been.     Patroclus  lies 
A  naked  corpse,  and  over  it  the  hosts  as 

Are  fighting  ;  crested  Hector  hath  his  arms." 

He  spake,  and  a  black  cloud  of  sorrow  came 
Over  the  chieftain.     Grasping  in  both  hands 
The  ashes  of  the  hearth,  he  showered  them  o'er 
His  head,  and  soiled  with  them  his  noble  face.       30 
They  clung  in  dark  lumps  to  his  comely  vest. 
Prone  in  the  dust  of  earth,  at  his  full  length, 
And  tearing  his  disordered  hair,  he  lay. 
Then  wailed  aloud  the  maidens  whom  in  war 
He  and  Patroclus  captured.     Forth  they  came,      35 
And,  thronging  round  him,  smote  their  breasts  and 

swooned. 

Antilochus  mourned  also,  and  shed  tears, 
Holding  Achilles  by  the  hand,  for  much 
His  generous  nature  dreaded  that  the  chief 
Might  aim  at  his  own  throat  the  sword  he  wore.     40 

Loud  were  the  hero's  cries,  and  in  the  deep 
His  gracious  mother,  where  she  sat  beside 
Her  aged  father,  heard  them.     She  too  raised 
A  wail  of  sorrow.     All  the  goddesses, 
Daughters  of  Nereus,  dwelling  in  the  depths  45 

Of  ocean,  gathered  to  her  side      There  came 


(66  The  Iliad. 

Glance,  Thaleia,  and  Cymodoce", 

Nesaea,  Speio,  Halia  with  large  eyes, 

And  Thoa,  and  Cymothoe  ;  nor  stayed 

Actxa,  Limnoreia,  Melita,  y> 

Amphithoe,  Isera,  Agave, 

Doto,  and  Proto,  and  Dynamene. 

There  came  Dexamene,  Amphinome, 

Pherusa,  Callianira,  Panope, 

Doris,  and  Galateia,  the  renowned.  ss 

With  these  Nemertes  and  Apseudes  came, 

And  Callianassa.     Clymene  was  there, 

Janeira  and  Janassa,  and  with  them 

Maera,  and  Amatheia  with  bright  hair, 

And  Orithya,  and  whoever  else,  c« 

Children  of  Nereus,  bide  within  the  deep. 

The  concourse  filled  the  glimmering  cave  ;  they  beat 

Their  bosoms,  while  the  sorrowing  Thetis  spake  :  — 

"  Hear,  sister  Nereids,  that  ye  all  may  know 
The  sharpness  of  my  sorrows.     Woe  is  me,  63 

Unhappy  !     Woe  is  me  !  in  evil  hour, 
The  mother  of  a  hero,  —  me  who  gave 
Birth  to  so  noble  and  so  brave  a  son, 
The  first  among  the  warriors,  saw  him  grow 
Like  a  green  sapling,  reared  him  like  a  plant         -,<• 
Within  a  fruitful  field,  and  sent  him  forth 
With  his  beaked  ships  to  Ilium  and  the  war 
Against  the  Trojans.     Never  shall  I  see 
That  son  returning  to  his  home,  the  halls 
Of  Peleus.     While  he  lives  and  sees  the 


Book  XVIII.  167 

Of  clay  his  lot  is  sorrow,  nor  can  I 

Help  him  in  aught,  though  at  his  side;  and  yet 

I  go  to  look  on  my  beloved  son, 

And  learn  from  him  what  grief,  while  he  remains 

Aloof  from  war,  o'ertakes  him  in  his  tent." 

She  spake,  and  left  the  cavern.      All  the  nymphs 
Went  with  her  weeping.     Round  their  way  the  waves 
Of  ocean  parted.     When  they  reached  the  fields 
Of  fertile  Troas,  up  the  shore  they  went 
In  ordered  files  to  where,  a  numerous  fleet,  s5 

Drawn  from  the  water,  round  Achilles  lay 
The  swift  ships  of  the  Myrmidons.     To  him 
His  goddess  mother  came,  and  with  a  cry 
Of  grief  embraced  the  head  of  her  dear  son, 
And,    mourning    o'er    him,    spake   these    winged 
words  :  — 

"  Why  weepest  thou,  my  son  ?     What  sorrow  now 
O'ercomes  thy  spirit?     Speak,  and  hide  it  not. 
All  thou  didst  pray  for  once,  with  lifted  hands, 
Has  been  fulfilled  by  Jove  ;  the  sons  of  Greece, 
Driven  to  their  galleys,  and  with  thy  good  help      ?s 
Withdrawn  from  them,  are  routed  and  disgraced." 

The  swift  Achilles,  sighing  deeply,  made 
This  answer  :  "  O  my  mother  \  true  it  is 
Olympian  Jove  hath  done  all  this  for  me  ; 
But  how  can  that  delight  me,  since  my  friend,       too 
My  well-beloved  Patroclus,  is  no  more? 
He  whom,  of  all  my  fellows  in  the  war, 
I  prized  the  most,  and  loved  as  my  own  self, 


1 68  The  11  tad. 

Is  lost  to  me,  and  Hector,  by  whose  hand 

He  was  cut  off,  has  spoiled  him  of  his  arms,  —      « 

His  dreaded  arms,  a  wonder  to  the  sight 

And  glorious,  which  the  gods  of  heaven  bestowed 

On  Peleus,  sumptuous  bridal  gifts,  when  thou 

Wert  led  by  them  to  share  a  mortal's  bed. 

Yet  would  that  thou  hadst  evermore  remained       n 

Among  the  immortal  dwellers  of  the  deep, 

And  Peleus  had  espoused  a  mortal  maid, 

Since  now  thy  heart  must  ache  with  infinite  grief 

For  thy  slain  son,  whom  thou  shall  never  more 

Welcome  returning  to  his  home.     No  wish  r 

Have  I  to  live  or  to  concern  myself 

In  men's  affairs,  save  this  :  that  Hector  first, 

Pierced  by  my  spear,  shall  yield  his  life,  and  pay 

The  debt  of  vengeance  for  Patroclus  slain." 

And  Thetis,  weeping,  answered  :  "  O  my  son  I  r. 
Soon  must  thou  die ;  thou  sayest  true ;  that  fate 
Hangs  over  thee  as  soon  as  Hector  dies." 

Again  the  swift  Achilles,  sighing,  spake  : 
"  Then  quickly  let  me  die,  since  fate  denied 
That  I  should  aid  my  friend  against  the  foes         * 
That  slew  him.     Far  from  his  own  land  he  fell, 
And  longed  for  me  to  rescue  him.     And  now. 
Since  I  am  never  more  to  see  the  land 
I  love,  and  since  I  went  not  to  defend 
Patroclus,  nor  the  other  Greeks,  my  friends,          * 
Of  whom  so  many  have  fallen  by  the  hand 
Of  noble  Hector,  but  beside  the  fleet 


Book  XVIH.  169 

A.m  sitting  here,  a  useless  weight  on  earth, 

Mighty  in  battle  as  I  am  beyond 

The  other  Grecian  warriors,  though  excelled          MS 

By  other  men  in  council,  —  would  that  Strife 

Might  perish  among  gods  and  men,  with  Wrath, 

Which  makes  even  wise  men  cruel,  and,  though  sweet 

At  first  as  dropping  honey,  growing,  fills 

The  heart  with  its  foul  smoke.     Such  was  my  rage, 

Aroused  by  Agamemnon,  king  of  men.  141 

Yet  now,  though  great  my  wrong,  let  things  like 

these 

Rest  with  the  past,  and,  as  the  time  requires, 
Let  us  subdue  the  spirit  in  our  breasts. 
I  go  in  quest  of  Hector,  by  whose  hand  us 

My  friend  was  slain.     My  death  will  I  accept 
Whene'er  to  Jove  and  to  the  other  gods 
It  shall  seem  good  to  send  it.     Hercules, 
Though  mighty  and  beloved  of  Jupiter, 
The  son  of  Saturn,  could  not  shun  his  death,        150 
For  fate  and  Juno's  cruel  wrath  prevailed 
Against  him.     I  shall  lie  in  death  like  him, 
If  a  like  fate  be  measured  out  for  me. 
Yet  now  shall  I  have  glory ;  I  shall  do 
What  many  a  Trojan  and  Dardanian  dame,  155 

Deep-bosomed,  wiping  with  both  hands  the  tears 
From  their  fair  cheeks,  shall  bitterly  lament ; 
And  well  shall  they  perceive  that,  till  this  hour, 
I  paused  from  war.     Thou  lov'st  me  ;  but  seek  not 
To  keep  me  from  the  field,  for  that  were  vain."     *<* 

VOL.    II.  8 


170  TJic  Iliad. 

The  silver-footed  Thetis  thus  rejoined  : 
"  Truly,  my  son,  thy  purpose  is  not  ill, 
To  rescue  thy  endangered  friends  from  death. 
But  with  the  Trojans  are  thy  beautiful  arms, 
Brazen  and  dazzling  bright ;  their  crested  chief,    1*5 
Hector,  exults  to  wear  them :  no  long  space, 
I  think,  will  he  exult ;  his  death  is  near. 
Yet  go  not  to  the  battle-field  until 
Thine  eyes  shall  look  upon  me  yet  again. 
I  come  to-morrow  with  the  sun,  and  brinjr  170 

*  O 

Bright  arms,  the  work  of  Vulcan's  royal  hand." 

So  having  said,  and  turning  from  her  son, 
She  thus  bespake  her  sisters  of  the  sea  : 
"  Return  to  the  broad  bosom  of  the  deep, 
To  its  gray  Ancient  and  my  father's  halls,  175 

And  tell  him  all.     I  hasten  to  ascend 
The  summits  of  Olympus,  there  to  ask 
Of  Vulcan,  the  renowned  artificer, 
Armor  of  glorious  beauty  for  my  son." 

She  spake  :  at  once  they  plunged  into  the  deep,  ^ 
While  Thetis,  silver-footed  goddess,  sought 
Olympus,  whence  it  was  her  hope  to  bring 
New  armor  for  her  son.     As  thus  her  feet 
Bore  her  toward  heaven,  the  Achaians,  fleeing  fast, 
With  infinite  clamor,  driven  before  the  arm  »«; 

Of  the  man-queller  Hector,  reached  the  ships 
And  Hellespont.     Nor  could  the  well-armed  Greeks 
Bear  off  Patroclus  from  the  shower  of  darts  : 
For  rushing  on  them  came  both  foot  and  horse, 


Book  XVI IT.  171 

And  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  like  a  flame  w 

In  fury.     Thrice  illustrious  Hector  seized 

The  body  by  the  heels  to  drag  it  off, 

And  called  his  Trojans  with  a  mighty  shout. 

Thrice  did  the  chieftains  Ajax,  terrible 

In  resolute  valor,  drive  him  from  the  dead.  195 

Yet  kept  he  to  his  purpose,  confident 

In  his  own  might,  now  charging  through  the  crowd, 

Now  standing  firm  and  shouting  to  his  men, 

And  never  losing  ground.     As  when,  at  night, 

Herdsmen  that  watch  their  cattle  strive  in  vain     *» 

To  drive  a  lion,  fierce  and  famine-pinched, 

From  some  slain  beast,  so  the  two  Ajaxes, 

With  all  their  valor,  vainly  strove  to  keep 

Hector,  the  son  of  Priam,  from  the  corpse. 

And  now  would  he  have  dragged  it  thence,  and  won 

Infinite  glory,  had  not  Iris  come—  a* 

The  goddess  whose  swift  feet  are  like  the  wind  — 

To  Peleus'  son,  a  messenger  from  heaven, 

In  haste,  unknown  to  Jupiter  and  all 

The  other  gods,  —  for  Juno  sent  her  down,  —       «o 

To  bid  the  hero  arm.     She  came  and  stood 

Beside  him,  speaking  thus  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Pelides,  rise,  most  terrible  of  men, 
In  rescue  of  Patroclus,  over  whom 
They  struggle  fiercely  at  the  fleet ;  for  there          215 
They  slay  each  other,  —  these  who  fight  to  keep 
The  dead,  and  those,  the  men  of  Troy,  who  charge 
To  drag  him  off  to  Ilium's  airy  heights ; 


1 72  The  Iliad. 

And  chief,  illustrious  Hector  longs  to  seize 

The  corpse,  and  from  the  delicate  neck  to  hew     »» 

The  head,  and  fix  it  on  a  stake.     Arise, 

Loiter  no  longer;  —  rise,  ashamed  to  leave 

Patroclus  to  be  torn  by  Trojan  dogs. 

For  thine  will  be  the  infamy,  if  yet 

The  corpse  be  brought  dishonored  to  thy  tent."    »s 

The  swift  Achilles  listened  and  inquired  : 
"Which  of  the  gods,  O  Iris,  speaks  by  thee?" 
And  Iris,  whose  swift  feet  are  like  the  wind, 
Answered  :  "The  glorious  spouse  of  Jupiter, 
Juno,  hath  sent  me.     Even  Saturn's  son,  w 

On  his  high  throne,  knows  not  that  I  am  sent, 
Nor  any  other  of  the  gods  who  dwell 
Upon  Olympus  overspread  with  snow." 

"  But  how,"  the  swift  Achilles  asked  again, 
"  Shall  I  go  forth  to  war  ?     They  have  my  arms,  235 
And  my  beloved  mother  strictly  bade 
That  I  should  put  no  armor  on  until 
I  saw  her  face  again.     She  promised  me 
A  suit  of  glorious  mail  from  Vulcan's  hand. 
Nor  know  I  any  warrior  here  whose  arms  =4« 

Might  serve  me,  save,  perhaps,  it  were  the  shield 
Of  Telamonian  Ajax,  who,  I  hope, 
Is  in  the  van,  and  dealing  death  among 
The  foe,  in  vengeance  for  Patroclus  slain." 

Then  the  swift-footed  Iris  spake  again  :  245 

'•They  have  thy  glorious  armor  ;  that  we  know 
But  go  thou  to  the  trench,  and  show  thyself 


Book  XVIII.  173 

To  them  of  Troy,  that,  haply  smit  with  fear, 
They  may  desist  from  battle,  and  the  host 
Of  Grecian  warriors,  overtoiled,  may  breathe         250 
In  a  brief  respite  from  the  stress  of  war." 

So  the  fleet  Iris  spake,  and  passed  away, 
And  then  arose  Achilles,  dear  to  Jove, 
While  o'er  his  ample  shoulders  Pallas  held 
Her  fringed  aegis.     The  great  goddess  caused       ass 
A  golden  cloud  to  gather  round  his  head 
And  kindled  in  the  cloud  a  dazzling  flame. 
And  as  when  smoke,  ascending  to  the  sky, 
Hangs  o'er  some  city  in  a  distant  isle, 
Which  enemies  beleaguer,  swarming  forth  **> 

From  their  own  city,  and  in  hateful  strife 
Contend  all  day,  but  when  the  sun  goes  down 
Forthwith  blaze  many  bale-fires,  sending  up 
A  brightness  which  the  neighboring  realms  may  see, 
That  haply  they  may  send  their  ships  and  drive    263 
The  war  away,  —  so  from  the  hero's  head 
That  flame  streamed  upward  to  the  sky.     He  came 
Without  the  wall  and  stood  beside  the  trench, 
Nor  mingled  with  the  Greeks,  for  he  revered 
His  mother's  words.     He  stood  and  called  aloud,  270 
And  Pallas,  from  the  host,  returned  his  shout, — 
A  shout  that  carried  infinite  dumay 
Into  the  Trojan  squadrons.     As  the  sound 
Of  trumpet  rises  clear  when  deadly  foes 
Lay  siege  to  a  walled  city,  such  was  heard  975 

The  clear  shout  uttered  by 


174  Th<-'  Iliad. 

The  hearts  of  all  who  heard  that  brazen  voice 
Were  troubled,  and  their  steeds  with  flowing  manes 
Turned    backward   with   the    chariots, — such    the 

dread 

Of  coming  slaughter.     When  the  charioteers 
Beheld  the  terrible  flame  that  played  unquenched 
Upon  the  brow  of  the  magnanimous  son 
Of  Peleus,  lighted  by  the  blue-eyed  maid 
Minerva,  they  were  struck  with  panic  fear. 
Thrice  o'er  the  trench  Achilles  shouted  ;  thrice    285 
The  men  of  Troy  and  their  renowned  allies 
Fell  into  wild  disorder.     Then  there  died, 
Entangled  midst  their  chariots,  and  transfixed 
By  their  own  spears,  twelve  of  their  bravest  chiefs. 
The  Greeks  bore  off  Patroclus  from  the  field         ** 
With  eager  haste,  and  placed  him  on  a  bier, 
And  there  the  friends  that  loved  him  gathered  round 
Lamenting.     With  them  swift  Achilles  came, 
The  hot  tears  on  his  cheeks,  as  he  beheld 
His  faithful  comrade  lying  on  his  bier,  295 

Mangled  with  many  wounds,  whom  he  had  sent 
With  steeds  and  car  to  battle,  never  more 
To  welcome  him  alive  on  his  return. 

Now  Juno,  large-eyed  and  august,  bade  set 
The  never-wearied  sun  ;  unwillingly  soc 

He  sank  into  the  ocean  streams.     Then  paused 
The  noble  Greeks  from  that  ferocious  strife, 
Deadly  in  equal  measure  to  both  hosts. 
The  Trojans  also  paused,  and  from  their  cars 


Book  XVII I.  175 

Unharnessed  the  fleet  steeds,  and  ere  they  took    3^5 
Their  evening  meal  assembled  to  consult. 
Standing  they  held  the  council ;  no  man  cared 
To  sit,  for  all  were  trembling  from  the  hour 
When,  long  a.  stranger  to  the  bloody  field, 
Achilles  showed  himself  again.     And  now  •>-•<•• 

The  son  of  Panthoiis,  wise  Polydamas, 
Began  to  speak.     Beyond  the  rest  he  saw 
Things  past  and  things  to  come,  and  he  had  been 
Hector's  companion,  born  in  the  same  night, 
Mighty  in  speech  as  Hector  with  the  spear.  3>s 

With  prudent  admonitions  thus  he  spake  :  — 

"  Consider  well,  my  friends.     My  counsel  is 
That  we  return,  nor  wait  the  holy  morn 
Here,  by  the  fleet  and  in  the  open  plain, 
Far  from  our  city  ramparts.     While  this  man         320 
Was  wroth  with  Agamemnon,  we  maintained 
A  strife  of  far  less  peril  with  the  Greeks, 
And  I  was  ever  ready  to  encamp 
By  night  beside  the  galleys,  which  we  hoped 
To  make  our  prize  ;  but  now  I  fear  the  might       vs 
Of  swift  Pelides.      He  will  not  remain 
Content  upon  the  space  between  the  fleet 
And  town,  where  Greeks  and  Trojans  wage  a  war 
Of  changeful  fortune,  but  will  strive  to  take 
The  city,  and  to  carry  off  our  wives.  «<» 

March  we  then  homeward.     Let  my  words  prevail,  — 
It  must  be  so.     The  gentle  Night  now  keeps 
The  nimble-footed  hero  from  the  war. 


1/6  The  Iliad. 

But  if  to-morrow,  issuing  forth  in  arms, 

He  find  us  here,  there  are  among  us  those  335 

Who  will  have  cause  to  know  him.     Gladly  then 

Will  he  find  refuge  who  escapes  his  arm 

In  sacred  Troy,  and  many  a  Trojan  corpse 

Will  feed  the  dogs  and  vultures.     May  mine  ear 

Hear  of  it  never.     But  if  ye  will  heed  3*> 

My  words,  though  sorrowful,  ye  shall  be  safe 

Assembled  in  the  city  squares  at  night. 

The  lofty  towers  and  gates,  with  massive  beams 

Polished  and  strongly  fitted  each  to  each, 

Will  keep  the  town.     To-morrow  we  shall  take,    345 

At  dawn,  our  station  on  the  towers,  arrayed 

In  armor,  and  his  difficult  task  will  be, 

Far  from  his  ships,  to  fight  us  from  below ; 

And  after  he  has  tired  his  high-necked  steeds 

With  coursing  round  the  ramparts  to  and  fro,        330 

Back  to  his  galleys  he  must  go  ;  nor  yet 

With  all  his  valor  can  he  force  his  way 

Into  the  town  to  lay  its  dwellings  waste,  — 

The  dogs  will  feed  upon  his  carcass  first." 

And  crested  Hector  answered  with  a  frown  :     355 
"  The  counsel  thou  hast  given,  Polydamas, 
Pleases  me  not,  —  that  we  return  to  be 
Pent  up  in  Troy.     Are  ye  not  weary  yet 
Of  lying  long  imprisoned  within  walls 
And  towers  ?     The  time  has  been  that  in  all  lands, 
Wherever  human  speech  is  heard,  the  fame  36' 

Of  Priam's  city,  for  its  treasured  gold 


Book  XVIII.  177 

And  brass,  was  in  all  mouths.     Those  treasures  now 

Have  passed  away ;  our  dwellings  have  them  not. 

Much  that  we -had  was  sold  on  Phrygia's  coast,     3«s 

And  in  Maeonia's  pleasant  land,  for  Jove 

The  mighty  was  displeased  with  us.     But  now, 

When  politic  Saturn's  son  hath  granted  me 

To  win  great  glory  at  the  fleet,  and  hold 

The  Greeks  imprisoned  by  the  sea,  refrain, 

Idler,  from  laying  counsels  such  as  these 

Before  the  people.     Not  a  Trojan  here 

Will  follow  them,  nor  would  I  suffer  it. 

Now  hearken  all,  and  act  as  I  advise  : 

First  banquet,  rank  by  rank,  throughout  the  host,  175 

And  set  your  guards,  and  each  of  you  keep  watch  ; 

And  then,  if  any  Trojan  stands  in  fear 

For  his  possessions,  let  him  bring  them  all 

Into  the  common  stock,  to  be  consumed  ; 

Better  that  we  enjoy  them  than  the  Greeks.  38° 

To-morrow,  with  the  dawn  and  all  in  arms, 

We  will  do  battle  at  the  roomy  ships 

Valiantly.     If  in  truth  the  noble  son 

Of  Peleus  choose  to  rise  and  to  defend 

The  ships,  so  much  the  worse  for  him,  since  I       385 

Shall  not  for  him  desert  the  field,  but  stand 

Firmly  against  him,  whether  he  obtain 

The  victory  or  I.     The  chance  of  war 

Is  equal,  and  the  slayer  oft  is  slain." 

So  Hector  spake  :  the  Trojans  shouted  forth     39" 
Applause,  the  madmen  !     Pallas  took  away 
8*  L 


1/8  The  Iliad. 

Their  reason  ;  all  approved  the  fatal  plan 

Of  Hector  ;  no  one  ventured  to  commend 

The  sober  counsel  of  Polydamas. 

And  then  they  banqueted  throughout  the  host :     ** 

But  all  night  long  the  Achaians  mourned  witn  tear* 

Patroclus,  while  Pelides  in  the  midst, 

Leading  the  ceaseless  lamentation,  placed 

His  slaughter-dealing  hands  upon  the  breast 

Of  his  companion  with  continual  sighs.  400 

As  a  maned  lion,  from  whose  haunt  within 

The  thick,  dark  wood  a  hunter  has  borne  off 

The  whelps,  returning  finds  them  gone,  and  grieves. 

And  roams  the  valleys,  tracking  as  he  goes 

The  robber,  bent  to  find  him,  for  his  rage  405 

Is  fierce,  —  with  such  fierce  sorrow  Peleus'  son 

Spake,  deeply  sighing,  to  his  Myrmidons  :  — 

"  O,  idle  were  the  words  which  once  I  spake, 
When  in  our  palace-halls  I  bade  the  chief 
Mencetius  bear  a  cheerful  heart.     I  said  410 

That  I  would  bring  to  Opus  yet  again, 
Laden  with  spoil  from  Ilium  overthrown, 
His  valiant  son.     But  Jove  doth  not  fulfil 
The  plans  of  men.     That  both  of  us  should  stain 
Earth  with  our  blood  in  Troy  was  the  decree         41 
Of  fate,  and  never  will  the  aged  knight 
Peleus  receive  me  in  his  palace-halls, 
Returning  from  the  war,  nor  Thetis,  she 
Who  gave  me  birth  ;  the  earth  will  hold  me  here. 
And  now,  since  after  thee  I  take  my  place  ** 


Book  XVIII.  179 

In  earth,  Patroclus,  I  will  not  perform 

Thy  funeral  rites  before  I  bring  to  thee 

The  arms  and  head  of  the  magnanimous  chief 

Hector,  who  slew  thee.     By  thy  funeral  pile 

1  will  strike  off  in  vengeance  for  thy  death  425 

The  heads  of  twelve  illustrious  Trojan  youths. 

Thou  meanwhile,  lying  at  the  beaked  ships, 

Shalt  be  lamented  night  and  day,  with  tears, 

By  many  a  Trojan  and  Dardanian  maid, 

Deep-bosomed,  won  by  our  victorious  spears         430 

After  hard  wars  and  opulent  cities  sacked." 

Thus  having  said,  the  great  Achilles  bade 
Place  a  huge  tripod  on  the  fire  in  haste, 
To  cleanse  Patroclus  from  the  clotted  blood. 
They  brought  and  set  upon  the  glowing  hearth      435 
A  tripod  for  the  bath,  and  in  it  poured 
Water,  and  piled  the  wood  beneath.     The  flame 
Crept  up  the  vessel's  rounded  sides  and  warmed 
The  water.     When  within  the  murmuring  brass 
It  boiled,  they  washed  the  dead,  and  with  rich  oil  440 
Anointed  him,  and  filled  the  open  wounds 
With  ointment  nine  years  old  ;  and  laying  him 
Upon  a  couch,  they  spread  from  head  to  foot 
Fine  linen  over  him,  and  covered  all 
With  a  white  mantle.     Through  the  hours  of  night 
The  Myrmidons,  lamenting  their  dead  chief,          4* 
Wept  round  the  swift  Ach'lles.     Then  did  Jove 
Thus  to  his  wife  and  sister  Juno  speak  :  — 

"Large-eyed,  imperial  Juno,  thou  hast  now 


i8o  The  Iliad. 

Accomplished  thy  desire,  for  thou  hast  roused      4* 

The  swift  Achilles.     There  is  not  a  doubt 

The  long-haired  Argives  owe  their  birth  to  thee." 

And  large-eyed  Juno  answered  :  "What  strange 

words, 

Austere  Saturnius,  hast  thou  said  ?     A  man, 
A  mortal  far  less  skilled  in  shaping  means  455 

To  compass  ends,  might  do  what  I  have  done 
Against  his  fellow-man.     Then  should  not  I  — 
Who  boast  to  be  the  chief  of  goddesses 
By  birthright,  and  because  I  bear  the  name 
Of  wife  to  thee  who  rulest  o'er  the  gods  —  460 

Plan  evil  to  the  Trojans,  whom  I  hate?" 

So  talked  they.     Silver-footed  Thetis  came 
Meanwhile  to  Vulcan's  halls,  eternal,  gemmed 
With  stars,  a  wonder  to  the  immortals,  wrought 
Of  brass  by  the  lame  god.     She  found  him  there    465 
Sweating  and  toiling,  and  with  busy  hand 
Plying  the  bellows.     He  was  fashioning 
Tripods,  a  score,  to  stand  beside  the  wall 
Of  his  fair  palace.     All  of  these  he  placed 
On  wheels  of  gold,  that,  of  their  own  accord,         470 
They  might  roll  in  among  the  assembled  gods, 
And  then  roll  back,  a  marvel  to  behold. 
So  far  they  all  were  finished  ;  but  not  yet 
Were  added  the  neat  handles,  and  for  these 
The  god  was  forging  rivets  busily.  47; 

While  thus  he  labored,  with  a  mind  intent 
Upon  his  skilful  task,  on  silver  feet 


Book  XVIII.  181 

Came  Thetis.     Charis,  of  the  snowy  veil, 
The  beautiful,  whom  the  great  god  of  fire, 
Vulcan,  had  made  his  wife,  beheld,  and  came       4«o 
Forward  to  meet  her,  seized  her  hand,  and  said  :  — 

"  O  Thetis  of  the  flowing  robe,  beloved 
And  honored,  what  has  brought  thee  to  our  home 
Thou  dost  not  often  visit  us.     Come  in, 
That  I  may  pay  the  honors  due  a  guest."  485 

So  the  bright  goddess  spake,  and  led  the  way, 
And  seated  Thetis  on  a  sumptuous  throne, 
With  silver  studs  divinely  wrought,  and  placed 
A  footstool,  and  called  out  to  Vulcan  thus : 
"  Come,  Vulcan. ;  Thetis  here  hath  need  of  thee."  490 

And  the  great  artist,  Vulcan,  thus  replied  : 
"  Then  of  a  truth  a  goddess  is  within 
Whom  I  must  ever  honor  and  revere  ; 
Who  from  the  danger  of  my  terrible  fall 
Saved  me,  what  time  my  shameless  mother  sought 
To  cast  me  from  her  sight,  for  I  was  lame.  496 

Then  great  had  been  my  misery,  had  not 
Eurynome  and  Thetis  in  their  laps 
Received  me  as  I  fell,  —  Eurynome, 
Daughter  of  billowy  Ocean.     There  I  dwelt          s«. 
Nine  years,  and  many  ornaments  I  wrought 
Of  brass,  —  clasps,  buckles,  bracelets,  necklaces,  — 
Within  a  vaulted  cave,  round  which  the  tides 
Of  the  vast  ocean  murmured  and  flung  up 
Their  foam  ;  nor  any  of  the  gods  or  men  505 

Knew  of  my  hiding-place,  save  only  they 


1 82  The  Iliad. 

Who  saved  me,  Thetis  and  Eurynome. 

And  now,  as  she  is  with  us,  I  must  make 

To  fair-haired  Thetis  some  thank-offering 

For  having  rescued  me.     Haste,  spread  the  board  y* 

Amply  with  generous  fare,  while  I  shall  lay 

Aside  my  bellows  and  my  implements." 

He  spake,  and  from  his  anvil-block  arose 
A  mighty  bulk  ;  his  weak  legs  under  him, 
Halting,  moved  painfully.     He  laid  apart 
His  bellows  from  the  fire,  and  gathered  up 
The  scattered  implements  with  which  he  wrought, 
And  locked  them  in  a  silver  chest,  and  wiped 
With  a  moist  sponge  his  face  and  both  his  hands, 
Stout  neck  and  hairy  chest.     He  then  put  on        v° 
His  tunic,  took  his  massive  regal  wand 
Into  his  hand,  and,  tottering,  sallied  forth. 
Two  golden  statues,  like  in  form  and  look 
To  living  maidens,  aided  with  firm  gait 
The   monarch's   steps.      And   mind   was   in   their 
breasts,  5=5 

And  they  had  speech  and  strength,  and  from  the  gods 
Had  learned  becoming  arts.     Beside  their  lord^ 
They  walked  and  tended  him.     As  he  drew  near, 
Halting,  to  Thetis  on  the  shining  throne, 
He  took  the  goddess  by  the  hand  and  said  : —     53« 

"  What  cause,  O  Thetis  of  the  flowing  robe, 
Honored  and  dear,  has  brought  thee  to  our  home  ? 
Not  often  com'st  thou  hither.     Freely  say 
Whatever  lies  upon  thy  mind.     My  heart 


Book  XVIIL  183 

Commands  me  to  obey,  if  it  be  aught  535 

That  can  be  done  and  may  be  done  by  me." 

And  Thetis  answered,  with  a  gush  of  tears  : 
"  O  Vulcan  !  of  the  goddesses  who  dwell 
Upon  Olympus,  is  there  one  who  bears 
Such  bitter  sorrows  as  Saturnian  Jove  540 

Inflicts  on  me,  distressed  above  them  all  ? 
Me,  of  the  ocean  deities,  he  forced 
To  take  a  mortal  husband,  —  Peleus,  son 
Of  ^Eacus, — and  to  his  bed  I  came 
Unwillingly.     Within  his  palace-halls,  545 

Worn  with  a  late  old  age,  my  husband  lies 
Now  I  have  other  woes  ;  for  when  a  son 
Was  granted  me,  and  I  had  brought  him  forth 
And  reared  him,  flourishing  like  a  young  plant, 
A  sapling  in  a  fertile  field,  and  great  53° 

Among  the  heroes,  —  thus  maturely  trained, 
I  sent  him  with  his  beaked  ships  to  Troy, 
To  combat  with  her  sons  ;  but  never  more 
Will  it  be  mine  to  welcome  him  returned 
Home  to  the  halls  of  Peleus.     While  to  me  555 

He  lives,  and  sees  the  sunshi'ne,  he  endures 
Affliction,  nor  can  I,  though  at  his  side, 
Aid  him  in  aught.     The  maiden  whom  the  Greeks 
Decreed  him  as  his  prize,  the  king  of  men, 
Atrides,  took  away,  and  grief  for  her  s<» 

Consumes  his  heart.     The  Trojans  keep  the  Greeks 
Beleaguered  by  their  ships,  nor  suffer  them 
To  pass  beyond  their  gates.     The  elder  chiefs 


1 84  The  Iliad. 

Implored  him  to  relent,  and  offered  him 

Large  presents ;  he  refused  to  avert  the  doom       & 

That  threatened  them  himself,  but  sent  instead 

Patroclus  to  the  war  with  his  own  arms, 

And  with  him  sent  much  people.     All  the  day 

They  fought  before  the  Scaean  gates  ;  and  then 

Had  Ilium  fallen,  but  that  Apollo  slew  570 

The  brave  son  of  Mencetius,  who  had  caused 

Vast  slaughter,  —  slew  him  fighting  in  the  van 

Of  war,  and  gave  the  glory  of  his  death 

To  Hector.     Therefore  I  approach  thy  knees, 

And  ask  for  him,  my  son,  so  soon  to  die,  575 

Buckler  and  helm,  and  beautiful  greaves,  shut  close 

With  clasps,  and  all  the  other  arms  complete, 

Which  in  the  war  my  son's  companion  lost. 

For  now  Achilles  lies  upon  the  ground 

Bitterly  grieving  in  his  inmost  soul."  5&> 

And  Vulcan,  the  great  artist,  answered  her : 
"  Be  comforted,  and  take  no  further  thought 
Of  this  ;  for  would  I  could  as  certainly 
Shield  him  from  death's  dread  summons  when  his 

hour 

Is  come  at  last,  as  I  shall  have  for  him  585 

Beautiful  armor  ready  to  put  on, 
And  such  as  every  man,  of  multitudes 
Who  look  on  it  hereafter,  shall  admire." 

So  speaking  he  withdrew,  and  went  where  lay 
The  bellows,  turned  them  toward  the  fire,  and  bade 
The  work  begin.     From  twenty  bellows  came       s* 


Book  XVIIL  185 

Their  breath  into  the  furnaces,  —  a  blast 

Varied  in  strength  as  need  might  be ;  for  now 

They  blew  with  violence  for  a  hasty  task, 

And  then  with  gentler  breath,  as  Vulcan  pleased  595 

And  as  the  work  required.     Upon  the  fire 

He  laid  impenetrable  brass,  and  tin, 

And  precious  gold  and  silver ;  on  its  block 

Placed  the  huge  anvil,  took  the  ponderous  sledge, 

And  held  the  pincers  in  the  other  hand.  eoo 

And  first  he  forged  the  huge  and  massive  shield, 
Divinely  wrought  in  every  part,  —  its  edge 
Clasped  with  a  triple  border,  white  and  bright. 
A  silver  belt  hung  from  it,  and  its  folds 
Were  five  ;  a  crowd  of  figures  on  its  disk  605 

Were  fashioned  by  the  artist's  passing  skill, 
For  here  he  placed  the  earth  and  heaven,  and  here 
The  great  deep  and  the  never-resting  sun 
And  the  full  moon,  and  here  he  set  the  stars 
That  shine  in  the  round  heaven,  —  the  Pleiades,  610 
The  Hyades,  Orion  in  his  strength, 
And  the  Bear  near  him,  called  by  some  the  Wain, 
That,  wheeling,  keeps  Orion  still  in  sight, 
Yet  bathes  not  in  the  waters  of  the  sea. 

There  placed  he  two  fair  cities  full  of  men.         615 
In  one  were  marriages  and  feasts ;  they  led 
The  brides  with  flaming  torches  from  their  bowers, 
Along  the  streets,  with  many  a  nuptial  song. 
There  the  young  dancers  whirled,  and  flutes  and  lyres 
Gave  forth  their  sounds,  and  women  at  the  doors  &* 


1 86  The  Iliad. 

Stood  and  admired.     Meanwhile  a  multitude 

Was  in  the  forum,  where  a  strife  went  on,  — 

Two  men  contending  for  a  fine,  the  price 

Of  one  who  had  been  slain.     Before  the  crowd 

One  claimed  that  he  had  paid  the  fine,  and  one    «=? 

Denied  that  aught  had  been  received,  and  both 

Called  for  the  sentence  which  should  end  the  strife. 

The  people  clamored  for  both  sides,  for  both 

Had  eager  friends  ;  the  heralds  held  the  crowd 

In  check ;  the  elders,  upon  polished  stones,          fr?» 

Sat  in  a  sacred  circle.     Each  one  took, 

In  turn,  a  herald's  sceptre  in  his  hand, 

And,  rising,  gave  his  sentence.     In  the  midst 

Two  talents  lay  in  gold,  to  be  the  meed 

Of  him  whose  juster  judgment  should  prevail.        635 

Around  the  other  city  sat  two  hosts 
In  shining  armor,  bent  to  lay  it  waste, 
Unless  the  dwellers  would  divide  their  wealth,  — 
All  that  their  pleasant  homes  contained,  • —  and  yield 
The  assailants  half.     As  yet  the  citizens  640 

Had  not  complied,  but  secretly  had  planned 
An  ambush.     Their  beloved  wives  meanwhile, 
And  their  young  children,  stood  and  watched  the 

walls, 

With  aged  men  among  them,  while  the  youths 
Marched  on,  with  Mars  and  Pallas  at  their  head,   645 
Both  wrought  in  gold,  with  golden  garments  on, 
Stately  and  large  in  form,  and  over  all 
Conspicuous,  in  bright  armor,  as  became 


Book  XVIII.  187 

The  gods  ;  the  rest  were  of  an  humbler  size. 
And  when  they  reached  the  spot  where  they  should  lie 
In  ambush,  by  a  river's  side,  a  place  <>* 

For  watering  herds,  they  sat  them  down,  all  armed 
In  shining  brass.     Apart  from  all  the  rest 
They  placed  two  sentries,  on  the  watch  to  spy      ^ 
The  approach  of  sheep  and  horned  kine.   Soon  came 
The  herds  in  sight ;  two  shepherds  walked  with  them, 
Who,  all  unweeting  of  the  evil  nigh, 
Solaced  their  task  with  music  from  their  reeds. 
The  warriors  saw  and  rushed  on  them,  and  took 
And  drave  away  large  prey  of  beeves,  and  flocks  «*> 
Of  fair  white  sheep,  whose  keepers  they  had  slain. 
When  the  besiegers  in  their  council  heard 
The  sound  of  tumult  at  the  watering-place, 
They  sprang  upon  their  nimble-footed  steeds, 
And  overtook  the  pillagers.     Both  bands  665 

Arrayed  their  ranks  and  fought  beside  the  stream, 
And  smote  each  other.     There  did  Discord  rage, 
And  Tumult,  and  the  great  Destroyer,  Fate. 
One  wounded  warrior  she  had  seized  alive, 
And  one  vm wounded  yet,  and  through  the  field     M 
Dragged  by  the  foot  another,  dead.      Her  robe 
Was  reddened  o'er  the  shoulders  with  the  blood 
From  human  veins.     Like  living  men  they  ranged 
The  battle-field,  and  dragged  by  turns  the  slain. 

There  too  he  sculptured  a  broad  fallow  field  675 
Of  soft  rich  mould,  thrice  ploughed,  and  over  which 
Walked  ma.iy  a  ploughman,  guiding  to  ind  fro 


1 88  The  Iliad. 

His  steers,  and  when  on  their  return  they  reached 

The  border  of  the  field  the  master  came 

To  meet  them,  placing  in  the  hands  of  each          «* 

A  goblet  of  rich  wine.     Then  turned  they  back 

Along  the  furrows,  diligent  to  reach 

Their  distant  end.     All  dark  behind  the  plough 

The  ridges  lay,  a  marvel  to  the  sight, 

Like  real  furrows,  though  engraved  in  gold.  <%= 

There,  too,  the  artist  placed  a  field  which  lay 
Deep  in  ripe  wheat.     With  sickles  in  their  hands 
The  laborers  reaped  it.     Here  the  handfuls  fell 
Upon  the  ground  ;  there  binders  tied  them  fast 
With  bands,  and  made  them  sheaves.     Three  bind 
ers  went  s?o 
Close  to  the  reapers,  and  behind  them  boys, 
Bringing  the  gathered  handfuls  in  their  arms. 
Ministered  to  the  binders.     Staff  in  hand, 
The  master  stood  among  them  by  the  side 
Of  the  ranged  sheaves  and  silently  rejoiced.           693 
Meanwhile  the  servants  underneath  an  oak 
Prepared  a  feast  apart ;  they  sacrificed 
A  failing  ox  and  dressed  it,  while  the  maids 
Were  kneading  for  the  reapers  the  white  meal. 

A  vineyard  also  on  the  shield  he  graved,  ?<* 

Beautiful,  all  of  gold,  and  heavily 
Laden  with  grapes.     Black  were  the  clusters  all ; 
The  vines  were  stayed  on  rows  of  silver  stakes. 
He  drew  a  blue  trench  round  it,  and  a  hedge 
Of  tin.     One  only  path  there  was  by  which  7°} 


Book  XVII I.  189 

The  vintagers  could  go  to  gather  grapes. 
Young  maids  and  striplings  of  a  tender  age 
Bore  the  sweet  fruit  in  baskets.     Midst  them  all, 
A  youth  from  his  shrill  harp  drew  pleasant  sounds, 
And  sang  with  soft  voice  to  the  murmuring  strings. 
They  danced  around  him,  beating  with  quick  feet  ?" 
The  ground,  and  sang  and  shouted  joyously. 

And  there  the  artist  wrought  a  herd  of  beeves, 
High-horned,  and  sculptured  all  in  gold  and  tin. 
They  issued  lowing  from  their  stalls  to  seek          715 
Their  pasture,  by  a  murmuring  stream,  that  ran 
Rapidly  through  its  reeds.     Four  herdsmen,  graved 
In  gold,  were  with  the  beeves,  and  nine  fleet  dogs 
Followed.     Two  lions,  seizing  on  a  bull 
Among  the  foremost  cattle,  dragged  him  off          72° 
Fearfully  bellowing  ;  hounds  and  herdsmen  rushed 
To  rescue  him.     The  lions  tore  their  prey, 
And  lapped  the  entrails  and  the  crimson  blood. 
Vainly  the  shepherds  pressed  around  and  urged 
Their  dogs,  that  shrank  from  fastening  with  their 
teeth  725 

Upon  the  lions,  but  stood  near  and  bayed. 

There  also  did  illustrious  Vulcan  grave 
A  fair,  broad  pasture,  in  a  pleasant  glade, 
Full  of  white  sheep,  and  stalls,  and  cottages, 
And  many  a  shepherd's  fold  with  sheltering  roof,   n* 

And  there  illustrious  Vulcan  also  wrought 
A  dance,  —  a  maze  like  that  which  Dasdalus, 
in  the  broad  realm  of  Gnossus  once  contrived 


190  The  Iliad. 

For  fair-haired  Ariadne.     Blooming  youths 

And  lovely  virgins,  tripping  to  light  airs,  ?« 

Held  fast  each  other's  wrists.     The  maidens  wore 

Fine  linen  robes  ;  the  youths  had  tunics  on 

Lustrous  as  oil,  and  woven  daintily. 

The  maids  wore  wreaths  of  flowers  ;  the  young  men 

swords 

Of  gold  in  silver  belts.     They  bounded  now          740 
In  a  swift  circle,  —  as  a  potter  whirls 
With  both  his  hands  a  wheel  to  try  its  speed, 
Sitting  before  it,  —  then  again  they  crossed 
Each  other,  darting  to  their  former  place. 
A  multitude  around  that  joyous  dance  745 

Gathered,  and  were  amused,  while  from  the  crowd 
Two  tumblers  raised  their  song,  and  flung  themselves 
About  among  the  band  that  trod  the  dance. 

Last  on  the  border  of  that  glorious  shield 
He  graved  in  all  its  strength  the  ocean-stream.      -5« 

And  when  that  huge  and  massive  shield  was  clone, 
He  forged  a  corselet  brighter  than  the  blaze 
Of  fire  ;  he  forged  a  solid  helm  to  fit 
The  hero's  temples,  shapely  and  enchased 
With  rare  designs,  and  with  a  crest  of  gold.  755 

And  last  he  forged  him  greaves  of  ductile  tin. 

When  the  great  artist  Vulcan  saw  his  task 
Complete,  he  lifted  all  that  armor  up 
And  laid  it  at  the  feet  of  her  who  bore 
Achilles.     Like  a  falcon  in  her  flight,  ?& 

Down  plunging  from  Olympus  capped  with  snow, 
She  bore  the  shining  armor  Vulcan  gave. 


Book  XIX.  191 


BOOK    XIX. 

IN  saffron-colored  mantle  from  the  tides 
Of  Ocean  rose  the  Morning  to  bring  light 
To  gods  and  men,  when  Thetis  reached  the  fleet. 
Bringing  the  gift  of  Vulcan.     There  she  found 
Her  son,  who,  bending  o'er  Patroclus,  wept  5 

Aloud,  and  all  around  a  troop  of  friends 
Lamented  bitterly.     Beside  him  stood 
The  glorious  goddess,  took  his  hand,  and  said  :  — 

"  Leave  we  the  dead,  my  son,  since  it  hath  pleased 
The  gods  that  he  should  fall ;  and  now  receive      1° 
This  sumptuous  armor,  forged  by  Vulcan's  hand, 
Beautiful,  such  as  no  man  ever  wore." 

The  goddess  spake,  and  laid  the  armor  down 
Before  Achilles  ;  as  they  touched  the  earth, 
The  well-wrought  pieces  clanked,  and  terror  seized 
The  Myrmidons.     No  one  among  them  all  »« 

Dared  fix  his  gaze  upon  them  ;  all  shrank  back. 
Achilles  only,  as  he  saw  them,  felt 
His  spirit  roused  within  him.      In  his  eyes 
A  terrible  brightness  flashed,  as  if  of  fire.  «*• 

He  lifted  up  the  god's  magnificent  gift 
Rejoicing,  and,  when  long  his  eyes  had  dwelt 
Delighted  on  the  marvellous  workmanship, 
Thus  to  his  mother  said,  in  winged  words  :  — 

"  A  god  indeed,  my  mother,  must  have  given     *s 


1 92  The  Iliad. 

These  arms,  the  work  of  heavenly  hands  :  no  man 

Could  forge  them.     Now  I  arm  myself  for  war. 

But  for  the  valiant  Mencetiacles 

I  greatly  fear  that  flies  will  gather  round 

The  wounds  inflicted  by  the  spear,  and  worms       3 

Be  bred  within  them,  to  pollute  the  corpse 

Now  that  the  life  is  gone,  and  taint  the  whole." 

And  silver-footed  Thetis  answered  thus  : 
"  Son,  have  no  care  for  that.     The  task  be  mine 
To  drive  away  the  importunate  swarm  that  feed     3 
On  heroes  slain  in  battle.     Though  it  lie 
The  whole  year  long,  the  body  shall  remain 
Even  more  than  uncorrupted.     Call  thou  now 
To  council  all  the  Achaian  chiefs  ;  renounce 
Thy  feud  with  Agamemnon,  king  of  men, 
And  arm  for  war,  and  put  on  all  thy  might." 

She  spake,  and  called  a  fiery  courage  up 
Within  the  hero's  breast.     The  goddess  then 
Infused  ambrosia  and  the  ruddy  juice 
Of  nectar  through  the  nostrils  of  the  dead 
Into  the  frame,  to  keep  it  from  decay. 

Along  the  beach  the  great  Achilles  went, 
Calling  with  mighty  shouts  the  Grecian  chiefs. 
Then  even  they  who  till  that  day  remained 
Beside  the  fleet,  —  the  pilots  and  the  men  j 

Who  held  the  helm,  the  stewards  of  the  ships, 
And  the  purveyors,  —  all  made  haste  to  swell 
The  assembly,  for  they  knew  that  he  who  long 
Had  borne  no  part  in  the  disastrous  war 


Book  XIX.  193 

Had  now  come  forth.     Two  ministers  of  Mars,      55 
The  brave  Tydides  and  the  nobly  born 
Ulysses,  both  supported  by  their  spears, 
Came  halting,  for  their  wounds  were  painful  yet ; 
They  came  and  sat  among  the  foremost  chiefs. 
And  last  came  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,  60 

Wounded,  for  he  had  felt  irv  thick  of  fight 
The  edge  of  the  sharp  spear  which  Coon  bore, 
Antenor's  son.     Now  when  the  Greeks  were  all 
Assembled,  swift  Achilles  rose  and  said  :  — 

"  Atrides,  of  a  truth  it  would  have  been  65 

Better  for  both  of  us  had  we  done  this 
At  first,  though  sorely  angered,  when  we  strove 
For  a  girl's  sake  so  fiercely.     Would  that  she 
Had  perished  in  my  ships,  by  Dian's  shaft, 
The  day  on  which  I  laid  Lyrnessus  waste  !  7° 

So  many  Greeks  would  then  have  not  been  forced, 
Slain  by  the  enemy's  hand,  to  bite  the  dust 
Of  the  great  earth,  while  I  was  brooding  o'er 
My  wrath.     All  that  was  for  the  good  of  Troy 
And  Hector;  but  the  Greeks,  I  think,  will  long     75 
Remember  our  contention.      Let  us  leave 
These  things  among  the   things   that   were,    and, 

though 

They  make  us  grieve,  let  us  subdue  our  minds 
To  what  the  time  requires.     Here  then  my  wrath 
Shall  end  ;  it  is  not  meet  that  it  should  burn  so 

Forever.     Hasten  thou  and  rouse  to  war 
The  long-haired  Greeks,  that  I  may  yet  again 

VOL.    II.  9  M 


194  The  Iliad. 

Go  forth  among  the  men  of  Troy,  and  learn 
If  they  design  to  encamp  another  night 
Before  the  fleet.     There  is  among  them  all 
No  man,  I  ween,  who  will  not  joyfully 
Sit  clown  when  he  escapes  my  deadly  spear." 

He  ended,  and  the  Achaians  all  rejoiced 
To  hear  the  brave  Pelicles  thus  renounce 
His  anger.     Agamemnon,  king  of  men, 
Then  rose.      He  came  not  forth  into  the  midst, 
But  stood  beside  his  seat,  and  thus  he  spake  :  — 

"  O  friends,  Achaian  heroes,  ministers 
Of  Mars  !     Whoever  rises  up  to  speak 
'T  is  well  to  hear  him  through,  and  not  break  in 
Upon  his  speech,  else  is  the  most  expert 
Confounded.     Who  amid  a  clamorous  throng 
Can  listen  or  can  speak  ?     The  orator 
Of  clearest  voice  must  utter  it  in  vain. 
Now  I  address  Pelides  ;  for  the  rest, 
Hearken  ye  all,  and  ponder  what  I  say. 
The  Greeks  speak  often  of  this  feud,  and  cast 
The  blame  on  me.     Yet  was  I  not  the  cause, 
But  Jupiter  and  Fate,  and  she  who  walks 
In  darkness,  dread  Erynnis.     It  was  they 
Who  filled  my  mind  with  fury  in  the  hour 
When  from  Achilles  I  bore  off  his  prize. 
What  could  I  do  ?     A  deity  prevails 
In  all  things,  Ate,  mighty  to  destroy, 
Daughter  of  Jove,  and  held  in  awe  by  all. 
Delicate  are  her  feet ;  she  never  comes 


Book  XIX.  195 

Near  to  the  ground,  but  glides  above  the  heads 

Of  men,  to  do  them  harm,  and  in  her  net 

Entangles  one  at  least  of  two  who  strive. 

Jove,  deemed  the  mightiest  among  men  and  gods,  us 

Once  felt  her  power  of  mischief.      Him  his  spouse, 

Juno,  entrapped  by  cunning,  when  within 

The  massive  walls  of  Thebes  Alcmena  lay 

In  childbed,  and  the  mighty  Hercules 

Was  near  his  birth.     For  Jupiter  had  said  i*> 

Boastfully  to  the  immortals  :  '  Hear,  ye  gods 

And  goddesses,  what  I  am  moved  to  speak  : 

This  day  shall  Ilithyia,  who  presides 

At  births,  bring  into  light  a  prince  whose  rule 

The  neighboring  tribes  shall  own  ;  he  shall  be  one 

Who  bears  the  blood  of  my  illustrious  race.'          i*. 

"Imperial  Juno  thus,  with  words  of  guile, 
Made  answer  :  '  What  thou  sayest  will  prove  false, 
Nor  wilt  thou  keep  thy  word.     Now  swear  to  me, 
Olympius,  with  the  irrevocable  oath,  130 

That  whosoever  of  thy  race  shall  fall 
This  day  between  a  woman's  feet  shall  bear 
The  rule  o'er  all  the  neighboring  tribes.'     She  spake, 
And  Jove,  perceiving  not  her  craft,  complied, 
And  took  the  mighty  oath,  but  afterward  133 

Found  himself  wronged.     For  Juno,  darting  forth, 
Shot  from  the  Olympian  summit  and  at  once 
Alighted  at  Achaian  Argos.     There 
She  found  the  noble  wife  of  Sthenelus, 
The  son  of  Perseus,  pregnant  with  a  son,  M<J 


196  The  Iliad. 

In  the  seventh  month.     She  caused  him  to  be  born, 
The  number  of  his  months  yet  incomplete, 
And  kept  Alcmena's  hour  of  childbirth  back, 
And  stayed  her  pangs.     The  goddess  then  made 

haste 
To  bear  the  tidings  to  Saturnian  Jove.  MS 

'"O  Father  Jupiter,  by  whom  are  hurled 
The  ruddy  lightnings,  I  have  news  for  thee. 
A  man-child  of  a  generous  stock  is  born, — 
Eurystheus,  whom  the  Argives  shall  obey,  — 
Born  at  this  hour  to  Sthenelus,  the  son  150 

Of  Perseus,  who  is  thine.     And  well  it  is 
That  such  a  prince  should  rule  the  Argive  race. 

"  She  ended  :  Jupiter  was  deeply  grieved, 
And,  seizing  Ate  by  her  shining  locks, 
In  his  great  wrath,  he  swore  a  mighty  oath, —       155 
That  Ate,  whose  delight  it  is  to  bring 
Mischief  to  all,  should  never  tread  again 
Olympus  and  the  starry  floor  of  heaven. 
Thus  having  sworn,  he  swung  her,  with  raised  arm, 
On  high,  and  hurled  her  from  the  starry  heaven    160 
Downward,  where  soon  she  reached  the  haunts  of 

men ; 

Yet  oft  in  after  time  because  of  her 
He  sighed,  beholding  his  beloved  son 
Doomed  by  Eurystheus  to  unworthy  tasks. 
So  I,  while  crested  Hector  in  his  might  165 

Made  havoc  at  our  fleet  among  the  Greeks 
Even  by  their  prows,  remembered  well  my  fault. 


Book  XIX.  19; 

And  now  since  I  have  borne  the  penalty, 

And  Jupiter  it  was  who  took  away 

My  reason,  I  would  gladly  make  amends  170 

With  liberal  gifts.      But  rise  and  join  the  war ; 

Inflame  the  courage  of  the  rest;  the  gifts 

Will  I  supply,  —  all  that  were  promised  thee 

When  nobly  born  Ulysses  yesterday 

Went  to  thy  tents.     Or,  if  it  please  thee,  wait,       175 

Though  armed  for  battle,  and  my  train  shall  bring 

The  treasures  from  my  ship,  that  thou  mayst  see 

My  presents  are  peace-offerings  indeed." 

The  swift  of  foot,  Achilles,  answered  thus  : 
"  Most  glorious  son  of  Atreus,  king  of  men  !          ia> 
Whether,  O  Agamemnon,  thou  wilt  give 
Gifts,  as  is  meet,  or  keep  them,  rests  with  thee. 
Now  let  us  think  of  war ;  it  is  not  well 
To  waste  the  hour  in  talking,  and  put  off 
The  mighty  work  that  we  have  yet  to  do.  ^ 

Let  every  Greek  among  you,  as  he  sees 
Achilles  fighting  in  the  foremost  ranks, 
And  slaughtering  the  Trojan  phalanxes, 
Take  heart  and  boldly  combat  with  his  man." 

And  then  Ulysses,  wise  in  council,  spake,          190 
Answering  Achilles  :  "  Nay,  thou  shouldst  not  thus, 
Brave  as  thou  art,  lead  on  the  sons  of  Greece, 
Yet  fasting,  to  the  conflict  with  the  men 
Of  Troy  beside  their  city.     No  brief  space 
The  struggle  will  endure  when  once  the  foes         195 
Rush  on  each  other,  and  a  gxl  inspires 


198  The  Iliad. 

Both  hosts  with  fury.     Bid  the  Achaians  take 

In  their  swift  galleys  food  and  wine  ;  in  these 

Are  force  and  vigor.      No  man  can  endure 

To  combat  all  the  day  till  set  of  sun,  *» 

Save  with  the  aid  of  food,  however  great 

The  promptings  of  his  valor  ;  for  his  limbs 

Grow  heavy,  thirst  and  hunger  weaken  him, 

And  his  knees  fail  him  as  he  walks.     Not  so 

The  warrior  well  supplied  with  food  and  wine  :      w 

He  fights  the  foe  all  day ;  a  resolute  heart 

Is  in  his  bosom  ;  nor  does  weariness 

O'ertake  him  till  all  others  leave  the  field. 

Now  let  the  people  be  dismissed  awhile, 

And  a  repast  be  ordered.     Let  the  king,  B™ 

Atrides,  bring  huo  the  assembly  here 

His  gifts,  that  all  the  Greeks  may  look  on  them, 

And  thou  rejoice  to  see  them.     Let  him  rise 

Among  the  Greeks,  and  take  a  solemn  oath 

That  he  has  ne'er  approached  the  maiden's  bed    ^ 

To  claim  a  husband's  right.     Thus  let  thy  heart 

Be  satisfied.     Yet  let  the  monarch  spread 

A  sumptuous  banquet  in  his  tent  for  thee, 

That  thy  redress  may  be  complete.     And  thou, 

Atrides,  wilt  hereafter  be  more  just 

To  others.     It  dishonors  not  a  king 

To  make  amends  to  one  whom  he  has  wronged." 

And  then  King  Agamemnon  spake  in  turn  : 
"Son  of  Laertes,  gladly  have  I  heard 
What  thou  hast  said,  and  well  hast  thou  discoursed 


Book  XIX.  199 

Of  all  things  in  their  order.     I  will  take  »26 

The  oath  of  which  thou  speakest,  —  so  my  heart 
Commands  me.     In  the  presence  of  a  god 
I  take  it,  and  commit  no  perjury. 
Now  let  Achilles,  though  he  longs  for  war,  230 

Delay  awhile  ;  and  all  assembled  here, 
Remain  ye  on  the  ground  till  from  my  ship  - 
The  gifts  are  brought.     This  charge  and  this  com 
mand 

I  give  to  thee,  Ulysses.     Take  with  thee 
A  band  of  youths,  the  noblest  of  the  host,  235 

And  bring  the  presents  promised  yesterday 
To  Peleus'  son,  and  hither  let  them  lead 
The  women.     Meantime  let  Talthybius  haste 
To  bring  from  our  broad  camp  a  boar,  which  I 
Will  offer  up  to  Jove  and  to  the  Sun."  240 

The  swift  of  foot,  Achilles,  thus  replied  : 
"  Most  glorious  son  of  Atreus,  king  of  men, 
These  things  are  for  the  time  when  there  shall  come 
A  pause  from  battle,  and  this  warlike  heat 
Within  my  breast  shall  cool.     They  whom  the  spear 
Of  Hector,  son  of  Priam,  has  o'ercome  246 

Lie  mangled  on  the  earth,  since  Jupiter 
Awarded  him  the  glory  of  the  day  :  — 
And  ye  propose  a  banquet.     I  would  call 
The  sons  of  Greece  to  rush  into  the  war  250 

Unfed  and  fasting,  and  when  this  disgrace 
Shall  be  avenged,  I  would,  at  sunset,  spread 
A  liberal  feast.     Be  sure  that  I,  till  then, 


2OO  The  Iliad. 

Taste  neither  food  nor  drink,  while  my  slain  friend 
Lies  gashed  with  weapons  in  my  tent,  amidst        355 
His  sorrowing  comrades.     Little  I  regard 
The  things  of  which  thou  speakest,  for  my  thought? 
Are  all  of  bloodshed  and  of  dying  groans." 

Ulysses,  the  sagacious,  thus  rejoined  : 
"  Achilles,  son  of  Peleus,  bravest  far  2&> 

Of  all  the  Achaians,  mightier  with  the  spear 
By  no  small  odds  than  I,  yet  do  I  stand 
In  prudence  much  above  thee ;  I  have  lived 
More  years,  and  more  have  learned.     Let  then  thy 

mind 

Accept  what  I  shall  say.     Men  soon  become        265 
Weary  of  warfare,  even  when  the  sword 
Lays  its  most  ample  harvest  on  the  earth. 
But  fewer  sheaves  are  reaped  when  Jupiter, 
The  arbiter  of  battles,  turns  the  scale. 
It  is  not  well  that  we  of  Greece  should  mourn       270 
The  dead  with  fasting,  since  from  day  to  day 
Our  warriors  fall  in  numbers.     Where  were  then 
Respite  from  daily  fasts  ?     Lay  we  our  slain 
In  earth  and  mourn  a  day.     We  who  outlive 
The  cruel  combat  should  refresh  ourselves  *K 

With  food  and  wine,  that  we  may  steadily 
Maintain  in  arms  the  conflict  with  the  foe. 
And  then  let  no  man  idly  wait  to  hear 
A  further  call  to  war,  —  for  it  will  come 
Freighted  with  evil  to  the  man  who  skulks  *& 

Among  the  ships,  —  but  let  us  all  go  forth 


Book  XIX.  201 

To  wage  fierce  battle  with  the  knights  of  Troy." 
He  spake,  and  summoned  to  his  side  the  sons 
Of  glorious  Nestor,  and  Meriones, 
And  Meges,  son  of  Phyleus,  and  with  them  m 

Thoas,  and  Lycomedes,  Creon's  son, 
And  Melanippus.     Straight  they  took  their  way 
To  Agamemnon's  tent,  and  there  their  task 
Was  done  as  quickly  as  the  word  was  given.          ^ 
They  brought  seven  tripods  forth,  the  promised  gifts, 
And  twenty  burnished  caldrons,  and  twelve  steeds, 
And  led  away  seven  graceful  women  trained 
In  household  arts,  —  the  maid  with  rosy  cheeks, 
Briseis,  was  the  eighth.     Ulysses  came, 
Leading  the  way,  and  bearing,  duly  weighed,         =95 
Ten  talents,  all  of  gold.     The  Achaian  youths 
Followed,  and  placed  the  presents  in  the  midst 
Of  that  assembly.      Agamemnon  rose  ; 
And  then  Talthybius,  who  was  like  a  god 
In  power  of  voice,  came  near  and  took  his  place  300 
Beside  the  monarch,  holding  in  his  bands 
A  boar.     The  son  of  Atreus  drew  a  knife, 
Which  hung  by  the  great  scabbard  of  his  sword, 
And,  cutting  off  the  forelock  of  the  boar, 
Prayed  with  uplifted  hands  to  Jupiter :  305 

Meantime  the  Greeks  in  silence  kept  their  seats, 
And,  as  became  them,  listened  to  the  king, 
Who  looked  into  the  sky  above,  and  said  :  — 

"Now  first  bear  witness,  Jove,  of  all  the  gods 
Greatest  and  best,  and  also  Earth  and  Sun,  31° 

9* 


2O2  The  Iliad. 

And  Furies  dwelling  under  Earth,  who  take 

Vengeance  on  men  forsworn,  that  never  I 

Have  laid,  for  purpose  of  unchaste  desire, 

Or  other  cause,  my  hand  upon  the  maid 

Briseis.     She  hath  dwelt  inviolate 

Within  my  tents.     If  yet  in  aught  I  say 

Lurk  perjury,  then  may  the  blessed  gods 

Heap  on  my  head  the  many  miseries 

With  which  they  punish  those  who  falsely  swear ! " 

He  spake,  and  drew  the  unrelenting  blade 
Across  the  animal's  throat.     Talthybius  took 
And  swung  the  carcass  round,  and  cast  it  forth 
Into  the  gray  sea's  depths,  to  be  the  food 
Of  fishes.     Then  again  Achilles  rose 
Among  the  warlike  sons  of  Greece,  and  said  : —  3^5 

"  Great  sorrows  thou  dost  send,  O  Father  Jove  ! 
Upon  mankind  ;  for  never  would  the  son 
Of  Atreus  have  provoked  the  wrath  that  burned 
Within  my  bosom,  never  would  have  thought 
To  bear  away  the  maiden  from  my  tent  33* 

In  spite  of  me,  had  it  not  been  the  will 
Of  Jupiter  that  many  a  Greek  should  die. 
But  banquet  now,  and  then  prepare  for  war." 

So  spake  Achilles,  and  at  once  dissolved 
The  assembly,  each  repairing  to  his  ship  335 

Save  the  large-hearted  Myrmidons,  who  still 
Were  busy  with  the  gifts,  and  carried  them 
Toward  their  great  general's  galley.  These  they  laid 
Carefully  in  the  tents,  and  seated  there 


Book  XIX.  203 

The  women,  while  the  attentive  followers  drave     w> 

The  coursers  to  the  stables.     When  the  maid 

Briseis,  beautiful  as  Venus,  saw 

Patroclus  lying  gashed  with  wounds,  she  sprang 

And  threw  herself  upon  the  dead,  and  tore 

Her  bosom,  her  fair  cheeks  and  delicate  neck  ;     MS 

And  thus  the  graceful  maiden,  weeping,  said  :  — 

"  Patroclus,  dear  to  my  unhappy  heart ! 
I  left  thee  in  full  life,  when  from  this  tent 
They  led  me  ;  I  return  and  find  thee  dead, 

0  chieftain  of  the  people  !     Thus  it  is  350 
That  sorrow  upon  sorrow  is  my  lot. 

Him  to  whose  arms  my  father,  in  my  youth, 
And  gracious  mother  gave  me  as  a  bride, 

1  saw  before  our  city  pierced  and  slain, 

And  the  three  brothers  whom  my  mother  bore      355 

Slain  also,  — brothers  whom  I  dearly  loved. 

Yet  them,  when  swift  Achilles  struck  to  earth 

My  hapless  husband,  and  laid  waste  the  town 

Of  godlike  Mynes,  wouldst  not  suffer  me 

To  weep  despairingly  ;  for  thou  didst  give  360 

Thy  word  to  make  me  yet  the  wedded  wife 

Of  great  Achilles,  bear  me  in  the  fleet 

To  Phthia,  and  prepare  the  wedding  feast 

Among  the  Myrmidons.     O  ever  kind  ! 

I  mourn  thy  death,  and  cannot  be  consoled."        365 

Weeping  she  spake  ;  the  women  wept  with  her 
Seemingly  for  the  dead,  but  each,  in  truth, 
For  her  own  griefs.     Meanwhile  the  ciders  came 


204  The  Iliad. 

Around  Achilles,  praying  him  to  join 

The  banquet,  but  the  chief,  with  sighs,  refused.     371 

"  Dear  comrades,  if  ye  love  me,  do  not  thus 
Press  me  to  sit  and  feast.     A  mighty  woe 
Weighs  down  my  spirit ;  it  is  my  resolve 
To  wait  and  bear  until  the  setting  sun." 

So  saying,  he  dismissed  the  other  kings.  375 

The  sons  of  Atreus,  and  the  high-born  chief 
Ulysses,  Nestor,  and  Idomeneus, 
And  Phoenix,  aged  knight,  alone  remained, 
And  anxiously  they  sought  to  comfort  him 
In  his  great  grief;  but  comfort  would  he  none      3*> 
Ere  entering  the  red  jaws  of  war.     He  drew 
Deep  sighs,  and,  thinking  on  Patroclus,  spake  : 

"  The  time  has  been  when  thou  too,  hapless  one, 
Dearest  of  all  my  comrades,  wouldst  have  spread 
With  diligent  speed  before  me  in  my  tent  3^5 

A  genial  banquet,  while  the  Greeks  prepared 
For  desperate  battle  with  the  knights  of  Troy. 
Thou  liest  now  a  mangled  corse,  and  I, 
Through  grief  for  thee,  refrain  from  food  and  drink, 
Though  they  are  near.     No  worse  calamity  390 

Could  light  on  me,  not  even  should  I  hear 
News  of  my  father's  death,  who  haply  now 
Tenderly  mourns  with  tears  his  absent  son 
In  Phthia,  while  upon  a  foreign  coast 
I  wage  for  hated  Helen's  sake  the  war  393 

Against  the  Trojans  ;  or  were  I  to  hear 
Tidings  that  my  beloved  son  had  died, 


Book  XIX.  205 

The  noble  Neoptolemus,  who  now, 

If  living,  is  in  Scyros,  growing  up 

To  manhood.     Once  the  hope  was  in  my  heart    •»<» 

That  I  alone  should  perish  here  at  Troy, 

Far  from  the  Argive  pastures  full  of  steeds, 

And  thou  return  to  Phthia  and  bring  home 

My  son  from  Scyros  in  thy  ship,  and  show 

The  youth  my  wealth,  my  servants,  and  my  halls,  405 

High-roofed  and  spacious.     For  my  mind  misgives 

That  Peleus  either  lives  not,  or  endures 

A  painful  age,  and  hardly  lives,  yet  waits 

To  hear  the  sorrowful  news  that  I  am  slain." 

So  spake  he  weeping,  and  the  elders  sighed      4« 
To  see  his  tears,  as  each  recalled  to  mind 
Those  whom  he  left  at  home,  while  Saturn's  son 
Beheld  their  grief  with  pity,  and  bespake 
His  daughter  Pallas  thus  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  My  child,  wilt  thou  desert  that  valiant  man  ?  415 
And  shall  Achilles  be  no  more  thy  care? 
.Lo,  by  his  ships,  before  their  lofty  prows, 
He  sits,  lamenting  his  beloved  friend. 
The  rest  are  at  the  banquet ;  he  remains 
Apart  from  them,  and  fasting.     Hasten  thou  ;       4*> 
With  nectar  and  ambrosial  sweets  refresh 
His  frame,  that  hunger  overtake  him  not." 

As  thus  he  spake  he  sent  the  goddess  forth 
Eager  to  do  her  errand.     Plunging  down, 
In  form  a  shrill-voiced  harpy  with  broad  wings,     4*5 
She  cleft  the  air.     The  Greeks  throughout  the  camp 


2C>6  Tiic  Iliad. 

Were  putting  on  their  armor.     She  infused 

Into  the  hero's  frame  ambrosial  sweets 

And  nectar,  that  his  limbs  might  not  grow  faint 

With  hunger.     Then  the  goddess  sought  again      4.*> 

The  stable  mansion  of  Almighty  Jove, 

While  all  the  Greeks  came  pouring  from  the  fleet. 

As  when  the  flakes  of  snow  fall  thick  from  heaven, 
Driven  by  the  north  wind  sweeping  on  the  clouds 
Before  it,  so  from  out  the  galleys  came  435 

Helms  crowding  upon  helms  that  glittered  fair, 
Strong  hauberks,  bossy  shields,  and  ashen  spears. 
The  gleam  of  armor  brightened  heaven  and  earth, 
And  mighty  was  the  sound  of  trampling  feet. 
Amidst  them  all  the  great  Achilles  stood,  w 

Putting  his  armor  on  ;  he  gnashed  his  teeth  ; 
His  eyes  shot  fire ;  a  grief  too  sharp  to  bear 
Was  in  his  heart,  as,  filled  with  rage  against 
The  men  of  Troy,  he  cased  his  limbs  in  mail, 
The  gift  of  Vulcan,  from  whose  diligent  hand        445 
It  came.     And  first  about  his  legs  he  clasped 
The  beautiful  greaves,  with  silver  fastenings, 
Fitted  the  corselet  to  his  bosom  next, 
And  from  his  shoulders  hung  the  brazen  sword 
With  silver  studs,  and  then  he  took  the  shield,      450 
Massive  and  broad,  whose  brightness  streamed  as 

far 

As  the  moon's  rays.     And  as  at  sea  the  light 
Of  beacon,  blazing  in  some  lonely  spot 
By  night,  upon  a  mountain  summit,  shines 


Book  XIX.  207 

To  mariners  whom  the  tempest'*,  force  has  driven  455 

Far  from  their  friends  across  the  fishy  deep, 

So  from  that  glorious  buckler  of  the  son 

Of  Peleus,  nobly  wrought,  a  radiance  streamed 

Into  the  sky.     And  then  he  raised  and  placed 

Upon  his  head  the  impenetrable  helm  460 

With  horse-hair  plume.     It  glittered  like  a  star, 

And  all  the  shining  tufts  of  golden  thread, 

With  which  the  maker's  hand  had  thickly  -sot 

Its  cone,  were  shaken.      Next  the  high-born  chief 

Tried  his  new  arms,  to  know  if  they  were  well      405 

Adjusted  to  his  shape,  and  left  his  limbs 

Free  play.     They  seemed  like  wings,  and  lifted  up 

The  shepherd  of  the  people.     Then  he  drew 

From  its  ancestral  sheath  his  father's  spear, 

Heavy  and  huge  and  tough.     No  man  of  all          4?o 

The  Grecian  host  could  wield  that  weapon  sa^e 

Achilles  only.     'T  was  a  Pelian  ash, 

Which  Chiron  for  his  father  had  cut  down 

On  Pelion's  highest  peak,  to  be  the  death 

Of  heroes.     Meantime,  busy  with  the  steeds,        4?' 

Automedon  and  Alcimus  put  on 

Their  trappings  and   their  yoke,  and  round  their 

necks 

Bound  the  fair  collars,  thrust  into  their  mouths 
The  bit,  and  backward  drew  the  reins  to  meet 
The  well-wrought  chariot.     Then  Automedon       480 
Took  in  his  hand  the  showy  lash,  and  leaped 
Into  the  seat.     Behind  him,  all  equipped 


208  The  Iliad. 

For  war,  Achilles  mounted,  in  a  blaze 

Of  arms  that  dazzled  like  the  sun,  and  thus 

Called  to  his  father's  steeds  with  terrible  voice  :  — 

"Xanthusand  Balius,  whom  Podarge  bore, —  w 
A  noble  stock,  —  I  charge  you  to  bring  back 
Into  the  Grecian  camp,  the  battle  done, 
Him  whom  ye  now  are  bearing  to  the  field, 
Nor  leave  him,  as  ye  left  Patroclus,  dead."  490 

Swift-footed  Xanthus  from  beneath  the  yoke 
Answered  him  with  bowed  head  and  drooping  mane 
That,    flowing   through    the    yoke-ring   swept    the 

ground,  — 
For  Juno  gave  him  then  the  power  of  speech  :  — 

"  For  this  one  day,  at  least,  we  bear  thee  safe,   495 
O  fiery  chief,  Achilles  !  but  the  hour 
Of  death  draws  nigh  to  thee,  nor  will  the  blame 
Be  ours  ;  a  mighty  god  and  cruel  fate 
Ordain  it.     Not  through  our  neglect  or  sloth 
Did  they  of  Troy  strip  off  thy  glorious  arms  s« 

From  slain  Patroclus.     That  invincible  god, 
The  son  of  golden-haired  Latona,  smote 
The  hero  in  the  foremost  ranks,  and  gave 
Glory  to  Hector.     Even  though  our  speed 
Were  that  of  Zephyr,  fleetest  of  the  winds,  505 

Yet  certain  is  thy  doom  to  be  o'ercome 
In  battle  by  a  god  and  by  a  man." 

Thus  far  he  spake,  and  then  the  Furies  checked 
His  further  speech.     Achilles,  swift  of  foot, 
Replied  in  anger  :  "  Xanthus,  why  foretell  y» 


Book  XX.  209 

• 

My  death  ?     It  is  not  needed  ;  well  I  know 
My  fate,  —  that  here  I  perish,  far  away 
From  Peleus  and  my  mother.     I  shall  fight 
Till  I  have  made  the  Trojans  sick  of  war." 

He  spake,  and,  shouting  to  his  firm-paced  steeds, 
Drave  them,  among  the  foremost,  toward  the  war.  y.<> 


BOOK    XX. 

THUS,  O  Pelides,  did  the  sons  of  Greece, 
Impatient  for  the  battle,  arm  themselves, 
By  their  beaked  ships,  around  thee.     Opposite, 
Upon  a  height  that  rose  amidst  the  plain, 
The  Trojans  waited.     Meantime  Jupiter  5 

Sent  Themis  from  the  Olympian  summit,  ploughed 
With  dells,  to  summon  all  the  immortal  ones 
To  council.     Forth  she  went  from  place  to  place, 
Bidding  them  to  the  palace  halls  of  Jove. 
Then  none  of  all  the  Rivers  failed  to  join  10 

The  assembly,  save  Oceanus,  and  none 
Of  all  the  Nymphs  were  absent  whose  abode 
Is  in  the  pleasant  groves  and  river-founts 
And  grassy  meadows.     When  they  reached  the  halls 
Of  cloud-compelling  Jove  they  sat  them  down        15 
On  shining  thrones,  divided  each  from  each 
By  polished  columns,  wrought  for  Father  Jove 
By  Vulcan's  skill.     Thus  all  to  Jove's  abode 

N 


210  The  Iliad. 

Were  gathered.     Neptune  had  not  disobeyed 

The  call.     He  left  the  sea,  and  took  his  seat          20 

Among  them,  and  inquired  the  will  of  Jove. 

"Why,  wielder  of  the  lightning,  dost  thou  call 
The  gods  again  to  council  ?     Do  thy  plans 
Concern  the  Greeks  and  Trojans  ?     For  the  war 
Between  their  hosts  will  be  rekindled  soon."  25 

And  thus  the  Cloud-compeller  Jove  replied  : 
"  Thou  who  dost  shake  the  shores,  thou  knowest 

well 

The  purpose  of  my  mind,  and  for  whose  sake 
I  call  this  council.     Though  so  soon  to  die, 
They  are  my  care.     Yet  will  I  keep  my  place,        30 
Seated  upon  the  Olympian  mount,  and  look 
Calmly  upon  the  conflict.     All  of  you 
Depart,  and  aid  the  Trojans  or  the  Greeks, 
As  it  may  list  you.     For  should  Peleus'  son 
Alone  do  battle  with  the  men  of  Troy,  35 

Their  squadrons  could  not  stand  before  the  assault 
Of  the  swift-footed  warrior  for  an  hour. 
Beforetime,  at  the  sight  of  him  they  fled, 
O'ercome  with  fear,  and  now,  when  he  is  roused 
To  rage  by  his  companion's  death,  I  fear 
Lest,  though  it  be  against  the  will  of  fate, 
He  level  with  the  ground  the  walls  of  Troy." 

Saturnius  spake,  and  moved  the  hosts  to  join 
In  desperate  conflict.     All  the  gods  went  forth 
To  mingle  with  the  war  on  different  sides.  •»; 

Juno  and  Pallas  hastened  to  the  fleet 


Book  XX.  211 

With  Neptune,  he  who  makes  the  earth  to  shake, 

And  Hermes,  god  of  useful  arts,  and  shrewd 

In  forecast.     Vulcan  also  went  with  them, 

Strong  and  stern-eyed,  yet  lame,  his  feeble  legs      5° 

Moving  with  labor.     To  the  Trojan  side 

Went  crested  Mars,  Apollo  with  his  locks 

Unshorn,  Diana  mighty  with  the  bow, 

Latona,  Xanthus,  and  the  Queen  of  smiles, 

Venus  ;  for  while  the  gods  remained  apart  55 

From  men,  the  Achaian  host  was  high  in  hope 

Because  Achilles,  who  so  long  had  left 

The  war,  now  reappeared  upon  the  field, 

And  terror  shook  the  limbs  of  every  son 

Of  Troy  when  he  beheld  the  swift  of  foot,  &> 

Pelides,  terrible  as  Mars  —  that  curse 

Of  human-kind  —  in  glittering  arms  again. 

But  when  the  dwellers  of  Olympus  joined 

The  crowd  of  mortals,  Discord,  who  makes  mad 

The  nations,  rose  and  raged  ;  Minerva  raised         es 

Her  war-cry  from  the  trench  without  the  wall, 

And  then  she  shouted  from  the  sounding  shore; 

While,  like  a  cloudy  whirlwind,  opposite, 

Moved  Mars,  and  fiercely  yelled,  encouraging 

The  men  of  Troy,  as  on  the  city  heights  7° 

He  stood,  or  paced  with  rapid  steps  the  hill 

Beside  the  Simoi's,  called  the  Beautiful. 

Thus,  kindling  hate  between  the  hosts,  the  gods 
Engaged,  and  hideous  was  the  strife  that  rose 
Among  them.     From  above,  with  terrible  crash,    75 


212  The  Iliad. 

Thundered  the  father  of  the  blessed  gods 

And  mortal  men,  while  Neptune  from  below 

Shook  the  great  earth  and  lofty  mountain  peaks*. 

Then  watery  Ida's  heights  and  very  roots, 

The  city  of  Troy,  and  the  Greek  galleys,  quaked.  &* 

Then  Pluto,  ruler  of  the  nether  world, 

Leaped  from  his  throne  in  terror,  lest  the  god 

Who  makes  the  earth  to  tremble,  cleaving  it 

Above  him,  should  lay  bare  to  gods  and  men 

His  horrible  abodes,  the  dismal  haunts  *$ 

Which  even  the  gods  abhor.     Such  tumult  filled 

The  field  of  battle  when  the  immortals  joined 

The  conflict.     Then  against  King  Neptune  stood 

Phoebus  Apollo,  with  his  winged  shafts, 

And  Pallas,  goddess  of  the  azure  eyes,  90 

Confronted  Mars.     Encountering  Juno  came 

The  sister  of  Apollo,  archer-queen 

And  huntress,  Dian  of  the  golden  bow. 

The  helpful  Hermes,  god  of  useful  arts, 

Opposed  Latona,  and  the  mighty  stream  95 

Called  Xanthus  by  the  immortals,  but  by  men 

Scamander,  with  his  eddies  strong  and  deep, 

Stood  face  to  face  with  Vulcan  in  the  field. 

So  warred  the  gods  with  gods.     Meantime  the  son 
Of  Peleus,  ranging  through  the  thick  of  fight,        '°° 
Sought  only  Hector,  Priam's  son,  whose  blood 
He  meant  to  pour  to  greedy  Mars,  the  god 
Of  carnage.     But  Apollo,  who  impels 
Warriors  to  battle,  stirred  ^Eneas  up 


Book  XX.  213 

To  meet  Pelides.     First  he  filled  his  heart  105 

With  resolute  valor,  and  then  took  the  voice 
Of  Priam's  son,  Lycaon.     In  his  shape 
Thus  spake  Apollo,  son  of  Jupiter  :  — 

"  /Kneas,  prince  of  Troy,  where  now  are  all 
The  boasts  which  thou  hast  made  before  the  chiefs 
Of  Troy  at  banquets,  that  thou  yet  wouldst  meet  m 
Pelides  in  the  combat  hand  to  hand  ?  " 

^Eneas  made  reply  :  "  Priamides, 
Why  dost  thou  bid  me,  when  thou  knowest  me 
Unwilling,  meet  in  combat  Peleus'  son,  »s 

The  mighty  among  men  ?     It  will  not  be 
For  the  first  time  if  I  confront  him  now. 
He  chased  me  once  from  Ida  with  his  spear,  — 
Me  and  my  fellows,  when  he  took  our  herds 
And  laid  Lyrnessus  waste  and  Pedasus.  >=o 

But  Jove,  who  gave  me  strength  and  nimble  feet, 
Preserved  me  ;  I  had  else  been  slain  by  him 
And  by  Minerva,  for  the  goddess  went 
Before  him,  giving  him  the  victory 
And  moving  him  to  slay  the  Leleges  «s 

And  Trojans  with  the  brazen  spear  he  bore. 
'T  is  not  for  mortal  man  to  fight  the  son 
Of  Peleus,  at  whose  side  there  ever  stands 
One  of  the  immortal  gods,  averting  harm. 
And  then  his  weapon  flies  right  on,  nor  stops        130 
Until  it  bites  the  flesh.     Yet  were  the  god 
To  weigh  the  victory  in  an  equal  scale, 
Achilles  would  not  vanquish  me  with  ease. 


214  The  Iliad. 

Though  he  might  boast  his  frame  were  all  of  brass." 
Then  spake  the  king  Apollo,  son  of  Jove  :          135 
"  Pray,  warrior,  to  the  eternal  gods.     They  say 
That  Venus  gave  thee  birth,  who  has  her  own 
From  Jove.     His  mother  is  of  lower  rank 
Than  thine.     Thine  is  a  child  of  Jove,  but  his 
A  daughter  of  the  Ancient  of  the  Deep.  uo 

Strike  at  him  with  that  conquering  spear  of  thine, 
Nor  let  him  scare  thee  with  stern  words  and  threats." 

He  said,  and  breathed  into  the  prince's  breast 
Fresh  valor,  as,  arrayed  in  glittering  arms, 
He' pressed  to  where  the  foremost  warriors  fought ; 
Yet  not  unseen  by  Juno's  eye  went  forth  ^ 

The  son  of  old  Anchises.     She  convened 
The  gods  in  council,  and  addressed  them  thus  :  — 
"  Neptune  and  Pallas,  what  shall  now  be  done  ? 
Consider  ye.     ^Eneas,  all  arrayed  «5» 

In  glittering  arms,  is  pressing  on  to  meet 
Pelides.     Phoebus  sends  him.     Let  us  join 
To  turn  him  back,  or  let  some  one  of  us 
Stand  near  Achilles,  fill  his  limbs  with  strength, 
Nor  let  his  heart  grow  faint,  but  let  him  see          «! 
That  we,  the  mightiest  of  the  immortals,  look 
On  him  with  favor,  and  that  those  who  strive 
Amid  the  war  and  bloodshed  to  protect 
The  sons  of  Troy  are  empty  boasters  all. 
For  this  we  came  from  heaven  to  interpose  ^ 

In  battle,  that  Achilles  may  endure 
No  harm  from  Trojan  hands,  although,  no  doubt, 


Book  XX.  215 

Hereafter  he  must  suffer  all  that  Fate 

Spun  for  him  when  his  mother  brought  him  forth. 

But  if  he  hear  not,  from  some  heavenly  voice,        -65 

Of  this  assurance,  fear  may  fall  on  him 

When,  haply,  in  the  battle  he  shall  meet 

Some  god  ;  for  when  revealed  to  human  sight 

The  presence  of  the  gods  is  terrible." 

And  then  did  Neptune,  he  who  shakes  the  earth, 
Make  answer  :  "Juno,  it  becomes  thee  ill  17* 

To  be  so  greatly  vexed.     I  cannot  wish 
A  contest  with  the  other  gods,  though  we 
In  power  excel  them.     Rather  let  us  sit 
Apart,  where  we  can  look  upon  the  war,  m 

And  leave  it  to  mankind.     And  yet  if  Mars 
Or  Phoebus  should  begin  the  fight,  or  seek 
To  thwart  Achilles  or  restrain  his  arm, 
There  will  be  cause  for  us  to  join  the  strife 
In  earnest,  and  I  deem  that  they  full  soon,  iso 

The  contest  ended,  will  return  to  join 
The  assembled  gods  upon  the  Olympian  mount, 
Forced  to  withdraw  by  our  all-potent  hands." 

So  spake  the  dark-haired  god,  and  led  the  way 
To  the  high  mound  of  godlike  Hercules,  ^ 

Raised  from  the  earth  by  Trojans,  with  the  aid 
Of  Pallas,  that  the  hero  there  might  find 
A  refuge  when  the  monster  of  the  deep 
Should  chase  him  from  the  sea-beach  to  the  plain. 
With  other  gods  beside  him  Neptune  there  "?" 

Sat  down  and  drew  a  shadow,  which  no  sight 


216  The  Iliad. 

Could  pierce,  around  their  shoulders.     Other  gods, 
Upon  the  hill  called  Beautiful,  were  grouped 
Round  thee,  Apollo,  archer-god,  and  Mars, 
Spoiler  of  cities.     On  both  sides  they  sat,  195 

Devising  plans,  unwilling  to  begin 
The  fierce  encounter,  though  Almighty  Jove 
From  where  he  sat  in  heaven  commanded  it. 

The  warriors  thronged  into  the  field,  which  shone 
With  brazen  armor  and  caparisons 
Of  steeds  ;  earth  trembled  with  the  sounding  tramp 
Of  marching  squadrons.     From  the  opposing  ranks 
Two  chieftains,  each  the  bravest  of  his  host, 
Impatient  to  engage,  —  Anchises'  son, 
./Eneas,  and  the  great  Achilles,  —  came.  *o3 

And  first  y£neas,  with  defiant  mien 
And  nodding  casque,  stood  forth.   He  held  his  shield 
Before  him,  which  he  wielded  right  and  left, 
And  shook  his  brazen  spear.     On  the  other  side, 
Pelides  hurried  toward  him,  terrible  «o 

As  is  a  lion,  which  the  assembled  hinds 
Of  a  whole  village  chase  and  seek  to  slay, 
While  on  he  stalks,  contemning  their  assault  • 
But  if  the  arrow  of  some  strong-armed  youth 
Have  smitten  him,  he  stands,  and  gathers  all        =15 
His  strength  to  spring,  with  open  jaws  and  teeth 
Half  hid  in  foam,  and  uttering  fearful  growls 
From  his  deep  chest ;  he  lashes  with  his  tail 
His  sides  and  sinewy  thighs  to  rouse  himself 
To  combat,  and  then,  grimly  frowning,  leaps 


Book  XX,  217 

To  slay,  or  by  the  foremost  youths  be  slain, 

So  sprang  Achilles,  moved  by  his  bold  heart 

To  meet  the  brave  ^Eneas.     As  the  twain 

Drew  near  each  other,  the  swift-footed  chief, 

The  great  Achilles,  was  the  first  to  speak  :  —         »s 

"  Why,  O  ^neas,  hast  thou  come  so  far 
Through  this  vast  crowd  to  seek  me  ?     Does  thy 

heart 

Bid  thee  confront  me  in  the  hope  to  gain 
The  place  which  Priam  holds,  and  to  bear  rule 
Over  the  knights  Oi  Troy?     Yet  shouldst  thou  take 
My  life,  think  not  that  Priam  in  thy  hand  w 

Will  place  such  large  reward.     He  has  his  sons, 
Nor  is  he  fickle,  but  of  stable  mind. 
Or  will  the  Trojans,  if  thou  slayest  me, 
Bestow  on  thee  broad  acres,  of  a  soil  235 

Fruitful  exceedingly,  and  suited  well 
To  vines  or  to  the  plough,  which  thou  mayst  till 
That  also,  as  I  hope,  thou  wilt  obtain 
With  difficulty ;  for,  unless  I  err, 
I  forced  thee  once  to  flee  before  my  spear.  240 

Dost  thou  remember,  when  thou  wert  alone 
Among  thy  beeves,  I  drave  thee,  running  fast, 
Down  Ida's  steeps  ?     Then  didst  thou  never  turn 
To  face  me,  but  didst  seek  a  hiding-place 
Within  Lyrnessus,  which  I  also  took  245 

And  wasted,  with  the  aid  of  Father  Jove 
And  Pallas.  From  the  town  I  led  away 
The  women,  never  to  be  free  again. 

VOL.  u.  10 


218  The  Iliad. 

Jove  and  the  other  gods  protected  thee 

That  day.     Yet  will  they  not  protect  thee  now,     w 

As  thou  dost  vainly  hope.     Withstand  me  not, 

I  counsel  thee,  but  hide  thyself  among 

The  crowd  before  thou  suffer  harm,  for  he 

Who  sees  past  evils  only  is  a  fool." 

And  then  /Eneas  answered  :  "  Do  not  think,     =55 
Pelides,  with  such  words  to  frighten  me, 
As  if  I  were  a  beardless  boy.     I  too 
Might  use  reproach  and  taunt ;  but  well  we  know 
Each  other's  birth  and  lineage,  through  report 
Of  men,  although  by  sight  I  know  not  thine, 
Nor  know'st  thou  mine.     They  say  that  thou  art 

sprung 

From  Peleus  the  renowned,  and  from  the  nymph 
Of  ocean,  fair-haired  Thetis,  while  I  boast 
My  birth  from  brave  Anchises,  and  can  claim 
Venus  as  mother.     Two  of  these  to-day 
Must  weep  the  death  of  a  beloved  son, 
For  we  are  not  to  part,  I  think,  nor  end 
The  combat  after  a  few  childish  words  ; 
Yet  let  me  speak,  that  thou  mayst  better  know 
Our  lineage,  known  already  far  and  wide. 
Jove  was  the  father,  cloud-compelling  Jove, 
Of  Darckinus,  by  whom  Dardania  first 
Was  peopled,  ere  our  sacred  Troy  was  built 
On  the  great  plain,  —  a  populous  town  ;  for  men 
Dwelt  still  upon  the  roots  of  Ida  fresh 
With  many  springs.     To  Dardanus  was  born 


Book  XX.  219 

King  Erichthonius,  richest  in  his  clay 

Of  mortal  men,  and  in  his  meadows  grazed 

Three  thousand  mares,  exulting  in  their  brood 

Of  tender  foals.     Of  some  of  this  vast  herd  *s° 

Boreas  became  enamored  as  they  fed. 

He  came  to  them  in  likeness  of  a  steed 

That  wore  an  azure  mane,  and  they  brought  forth 

Twelve  foals,  which  all  were  females,  of  such  speed 

That  when  they  frolicked  on  the  teeming  earth     as 

They  flew  along  the  topmost  ears  of  wheat 

And  broke  them  not,  and  when  they  sported  o'er 

The  mighty  bosom  of  the  deep  they  ran 

Along  the  hoary  summits  of  its  waves. 

To  Erichthonius  Tros  was  born,  who  ruled  ^ 

The  Trojans,  and  from  Tros  there  sprang  three  sons 

Of  high  renown,  —  Ilus,  Assaracus, 

And  godlike  Ganymede,  most  beautiful 

Of  men  ;  the  gods  beheld  and  caught  him  up 

To  heaven,  so  beautiful  was  he,  to  pour  295 

The  wine  to  Jove,  and  ever  dwell  with  them. 

And  Ilus  had  a  son,  Laomedon, 

Of  mighty  fame,  to  whom  five  sons  were  born, 

Tithonus,  Priam,  Lampus,  Clytius, 

And  Hicetaon,  trained  to  war  by  Mars.  3°° 

Assaracus  begat  my  ancestor, 

Capys,  to  whom  Anchises  owes  his  birth. 

Anchises  is  my  father ;  Priam's  son 

Is  noble  Hector.     Such  I  claim  to  be 

My  lineage  and  my  blood  ;  but  Jove  at  will  ^ 


220  The  Iliad. 

Gives  in  large  measure,  or  diminishes, 

Men's  warlike  prowess;  and  the' power  of  Jove 

Is  over  all.     But  let  us  talk  no  more 

Of  things  like  these,  as  if  we  were  but  boys, 

While  here  in  the  mid-field  we  stand  between        3«> 

The  warring  armies.     Both  of  us  might  cast 

Reproaches  at  each  other,  many  and  foul, 

Such  as  no  galley  of  a  hundred  oars 

Could  bear  and  float.     Men's  tongues  are  voluble, 

And  endless  are  the  modes  of  speech,  and  far       315 

Extends  from  side  to  side  the  field  of  words. 

Such  as  thou  utterest  it  will  be  thy  lot 

To  hear  from  others.     But  what  profits  it 

For  us  to  rail  and  wrangle,  in  high  brawl, 

Like  women  angered  to  the  quick,  that  rush          320 

Into  the  middle  of  the  street  and  scold 

With  furious  words,  some  true  and  others  false, 

As  rage  may  prompt  them  ?     Me  thou  shalt  not  move 

With  words  from  my  firm  purpose  ere  thou  raise 

Thy  arm  against  me.     Let  us  hasten  first  3=5 

To  prove  the  temper  of  our  brazen  spears." 

He  spake,  and  hurled  his  brazen  spear  to  smite 
The  dreadful  shield,  a  terror  in  men's  eyes  ; 
That  mighty  buckler  rang  with  the  strong  blow. 
Achilles,  as  it  came,  held  forth  his  shield  330 

With  nervous  arm  far  from  him,  for  he  feared 
That  the  long  javelin  of  his  valiant  foe 
Might  pierce  it.     Idle  fear ;  he  had  not  thought 
That  the  bright  armor  given  him  by  the  gods 


Book  XX.  221 

Not  easily  would  yield  to  force  of  man.  335 

Nor  could  the  rapid  spear  that  left  the  hand 

Of  brave  ^neas  pierce  the  shield  ;  the  gold, 

The  gift  of  Vulcan,  stopped  it.     Through  two  folds 

It  went,  but  three  remained  ;  for  Vulcan's  skill 

Fenced  with  five  folds  the  disk,  —  the  outer  two  MO 

Of  brass,  the  inner  two  of  tin  ;  between 

Was  one  of  gold,  and  there  the  brazen  spear 

Was  stayed.     And  .then  in  turn  Achilles  threw 

His  ponderous  spear,  and  struck  the  orbed  shield 

Borne  by  ./Eneas  near  the  upper  edge,  345 

Where  thinnest  was  the  brass  and  thinnest  lay 

The  bullock's  hide.     The  Pelian  ash  broke  through ; 

The  buckler  crashed  ;  ^Eneas,  stooping  low, 

Held  it  above  him,  terrified  ;  the  spear, 

Tearing  both  plate  and  hide  of  that  huge  shield,  350 

Passed  over  him,  and,  eager  to  go  on, 

.Plunged  in  the  earth  and  stood.     He,  when  he  saw 

The  massive  lance  which  he  had  just  escaped 

Fixed  in  the  earth  so  near  him,  stood  awhile 

As  struck  with  fear,  and  with  despairing  looks.      355 

Achilles  drew  his  trenchant  sword  and  rushed 

With  fury  on  ^neas,  uttering 

A  fearful  shout.     /Eneas  lifted  up 

A  stone,  a  mighty  weight,  which  no  two  men, 

As  men  are  now,  could  raise,  yet  easily  360 

He  wielded  it.     yEneas  then,  to  save 

His  threatened  life,  had  smitten  with  the  stone 

His  adversary's  buckler  or  his  helm, 


222  The  Iliad. 

And  with  his  sword  Pelides  had  laid  dead 

The  Trojan,  had  not  he  who  shakes  the  earth,      365 

Neptune,  beheld  him  in  that  perilous  hour, 

And  instantly  addressed  the  immortal  gods  :  — 

"  My  heart,  ye  gods,  is  heavy  for  the  sake 
Of  the  great-souled  yEneas,  who  will  sink 
To  Hades  overcome  by  Peleus'  son.  37<= 

Rash  man  !  he  listened  to  the  archer-god 
Apollo,  who  has  now  no  power  to  save 
The  chief  from  death.     But,  guiltless  as  he  is, 
Why  should  he  suffer  evil  for  the  wrong 
Of  others  ?     He  has  always  sought  to  please          375 
With  welcome  offerings  the  gods  who  dwell 
In  the  broad  heaven.     Let  us  withdraw  him,  then, 
From  this  great  peril,  lest,  if  he  should  fall 
Before  Achilles,  haply  Saturn's  son 
May  be  displeased.     And  't  is  the  will  of  fate        380 
That  he  escape  ;  that  so  the  Dardan  race, 
Beloved  by  Jove  above  all  others  sprung 
From  him  and  mortal  women,  may  not  yet 
Perish  from  earth  and  leave  no  progeny. 
For  Saturn's  son  already  holds  the  house  ^ 

Of  Priam  in  disfavor,  and  will  make 
^Eneas  ruler  o'er  the  men  of  Troy, 
And  his  sons'  sons  shall  rule  them  after  him." 

Imperial  Juno  with  large  eyes  replied  : 
"  Determine,  Neptune,  for  thyself,  and  save  390 

^Eneas,  or,  all  blameless  as  he  is, 
Abandon  him  to  perish  by  the  hand 


Book  XX.  223 

Of  Peleus'  son,  Achilles.     We  have  sworn  — 

Minerva  and  myself — that  never  we 

Would  aid  in  aught  the  Trojans  to  escape  395 

Their  day  of  ruin,  though  the  town  of  Troy 

Sink  to  the  dust  in  the  destroying  flames,  — 

Flames  kindled  by  the  warlike  sons  of  Greece." 

And  then  did  Neptune,  shaker  of  the  shores, 
Go  forth  into  the  battle  and  amidst  400 

The  clash  of  spears,   and  come  where  stood  the 

chiefs, 

tineas  and  his  mighty  foe,  the  son 
Of  Peleus.     Instantly  he  caused  to  rise 
A  darkness  round  the  eyes  of  Peleus'  son, 
And  from  the  buckler  of  y£neas  drew  40* 

The  spear  with  ashen  stem  and  brazen  blade, 
And  laid  it  at  Achilles'  feet,  and  next 
He  lifted  high  ^Eneas  from  the  ground 
And  bore  him  thence.     O'er  many  a  warrior's  head, 
And  many  a  harnessed  steed,  yEneas  flew,  w 

Hurled  by  the  god,  until  he  reached  the  rear 
Of  that  fierce  battle,  where  the  Caucons  stood 
Arrayed  for  war.     The  shaker  of  the  shores 
Drew  near,  and  said  to  him  in  winged  words  :  — 

"  What  god,  ^Eneas,  moved  thee  to  defy  415 

Madly  the  son  of  Peleus,  who  in  might 
Excels  thee,  and  is  dearer  to  the  gods  ? 
Whenever  he  encounters  thee  in  arms 
Give  way,  lest  thou,  against  the  wiil  of  fate, 
Pass  down  to  Hades.     When  he  shall  have  met   4=o 


224  The  Iliad. 

His  fate  and  perished,  thou  mayst  boldly  dare 

To  face  the  foremost  of  the  enemy  ; 

No  other  of  the  Greeks  shall  take  thy  life. 

He  spake,  and  having  thus  admonished  him 
He  left  tineas  there,  and  suddenly  4*5 

Swept  off  the  darkness  that  so  thickly  rose 
Around  Achilles,  who,  with  sight  now  clear, 
Looked  forth,  and,  sighing,  said  to  his  great  soul  :  — 

"  How  strange  is  this  !     My  eyes  have  seen  to-day 
A  mighty  marvel.     Here  the  spear  I  flung  430 

Is  lying  on  the  earth,  and  him  at  whom 
I  cast  it,  in  the  hope  to  take  his  life, 
I  see  no  longer.     Well  beloved,  no  doubt, 
Is  this  ^neas  by  the  immortal  gods. 
Yet  that,  I  thought,  was  but  an  empty  boast         435 
Of  his.     Well,  let  him  go  ;  I  cannot  think 
That  he  who  gladly  fled  from  death  will  find 
The  courage  to  encounter  me  again. 
And  now  will  I  exhort  the  Greeks  to  fight 
This  battle  bravely,  while  I  go  to  prove  44* 

The  prowess  of  the  other  chiefs  of  Troy." 

He  spake,  and,  cheering  on  the  soldiery,   . 
He  sprang  into  the  ranks  :  "Ye  noble  Greeks, 
Avoid  no  more  the  Trojans  ;  press  right  on. 
Let  each  man  single  out  his  man,  and  fight  445 

With  eager  heart.     'T  is  hard  for  me  to  chase, 
With  all  my  warlike  might,  so  many  men, 
And  fight  with  all.     Not  even  Mars,  the  god, 
Although  immortal,  nor  Minerva's  self, 


Book  XX,  225 

Could  combat  with  so  vast  a  multitude  450 

Unwearied ;  yet  whatever  I  can  do, 

With  hands  and  feet  and  strength,  I  give  my  word 

Not  to  decline,  or  be  remiss  in  aught. 

I  go  to  range  the  Trojan  files,  where  none, 

I  think,  will  gladly  stand  to  meet  my  spear."         455 

Such  stirring  words  he  uttered,  while  aloud 
Illustrious  Hector  called,  encouraging 
The  men  of  Troy,  and  promising  to  meet 
Achilles  :  "Valiant  Trojans,  do  not  quail 
Before  Pelides.     In  the  strife  of  words  460 

I  too  might  bear  my  part  against  the  gods ; 
But  harder  were  the  combat  with  the  spear, 
For  greater  is  their  might  than  ours.     The  son 
Of  Peleus  cannot  make  his  threaten  ings  good. 
A  part  will  he  perform  and  part  will  leave  &<, 

Undone.     I  go  to  wait  him  ;  I  would  go 
Although  his  hands  were  like  consuming  flame,— 
His  hands  like  flame,  his  strength  the  strength  of 
steel." 

He  spake  :  the  Trojans  at  his  stirring  word 
Lifted  their  lances,  and  the  adverse  hosts  470 

Joined  battle  with  a  fearful  din.     Then  came 
Apollo  and  admonished  Hector  thus  :  — 

"  Hector,  encounter  not  Achilles  here 
Before  the  armies,  but  amidst  the  throng 
And  tumult  of  the  battle,  lest  perchance  475 

He  strike  thee  with  the  javelin  or  the  sword." 

Hz  spake  :  the  Trojan  chief,  dismayed  to  hear 
10*  o 


226  T/ic  Iliad. 

'J'he  warning  of  the  god,  withdrew  among 

The  crowded  ranks.     Meantime  Achilles  sprang 

Upon  the  Trojans  with  a  terrible  cry,  *s° 

And  slew  a  leader  of  the  host,  the  brave 

Iphition,  whom  a  Naiad,  at  the  foot 

Of  snowy  Tmolus,  in  '  .ie  opulent  vale 

Of  Hyda,  bore  to  the  great  conqueror 

Of  towns,  Otrynteus.      As  he  came  in  haste,  .«ss 

The  noble  son  of  Pe1  ^us  with  his  spear 

Smote  him  upon  the  forehead  in  the  midst, 

And  cleft  the  head  i.i  two.      He  fell  ;  his  arms 

Clashed,  and  Achilles  boasted  o'er  him  thus  :  — 

"  Son  of  Otrynteus,  terrible  in  arms,  490 

Thou  art  brought  low  ;  thou  meetest  here  thy  death, 
Though  thou  wert  born  by  the  Gygasan  lake 
Where  lie,  by  fishy  Hyllus  and  the  stream 
Of  eddying  Hermus,  thy  paternal  fields." 

Thus  boastfully  he  spake,  while  darkness  came  495 
Over  Iphition's  eyes,  and  underneath 
The  chariots  of  the  Greeks  who  foremost  fought 
His  corse  was  mangled.     Next  Achilles  smote 
Antenor's  son,  Demoleon,  gallantly 
Breasting  the  onset  of  the  Greeks.      He  pierced   500 
His  temple  through  the  helmet's  brazen  cheek  ; 
The  brass  stayed  not  the  blow ;  the  eager  spear 
Brake   through   the  bone,   and  crushed   the  brain 

within, 

And  the  brave  youth  lay  dead.     Achilles  next 
Struck  down  Hippodamas  ;  he  pierced  his  back   505 


Hook  XX.  227 

As,  leaping  from  his  car,  the  Phrygian  fled 
Before  him.     With  a  moan  he  breathed  away 
His  life,  as  moans  a  bull  when  dragged  around 
The  altar  of  the  Heliconian  king 
By  youths  on  whom  the  god  that  shakes  the  earth  5™ 
Looks  down  well  pleased.     With  such  a  moaning 

sound 
The  fiery  spirit  left  the  Phrygian's  frame. 

Then  sprang  Achilles  with  his  spear  to  slay 
The  godlike  Polydorus,  Priam's  son, 
Whose  father  bade  him  not  to  join  the  war,  s>s 

For  he  was  younger  than  the  other  sons, 
And  dearest  of  them  all.     In  speed  of  foot 
He  had  no  peer.     Yet,  with  a  boyish  pride 
To  show  his  swiftness,  in  the  foremost  ranks 
He  ranged  the  field,  until  he  lost  his  life.  v° 

Him  with  a  javelin  the  swift-footed  son 
Of  Peleus  smote  as  he  was  hurrying  by. 
The  weapon  pierced  the  middle  of  his  back, 
Where,  by  its  golden  rings,  the  belt  was  clasped 
Above  the  double  corselet ;  the  keen  blade  5*5 

Came  forth  in  front ;  the  Trojan  with  a  cry 
Fell  forward  on  his  knees,  and,  bending,  clasped 
His  bowels  in  his  hands.     When  Hector  saw 
His  brother  thus  upon  the  earth,  there  came 
A  darkness  o'er  his  eyes,  nor  could  he  bear  530 

Longer  to  stand  aloof,  but,  brandishing 
His  spear,  came  forward  like  a  rushing  flame 
To  meet  the  son  of  Peleus,  who  beheld 


228  The  Jliatf. 

And  bounded  toward  him,  saying  boastfully  : 
"  So,  he  is  near  whose  hand  hath  given  my  heart  ss 
Its  deepest  wound,  who  slew  my  dearest  friend. 
No  more  are  we  to  shun  each  other  now, 
Timidly  stealing  through  the  paths  of  war." 

And  then  he  said  to  Hector  with  a  frown  : 
"  Draw  nearer,  that  thou  mayst  the  sooner  die."   540 

The  crested  Hector,  undismayed,  replied  : 
"  Pelides,  do  not  hope  with  empty  words 
To  frighten  me,  as  if  I  were  a  boy. 
Insults  and  taunts  J  could  with  ease  return.  . 
I  know  that  thou  ar^  brave  ;  I  know  that  I  545 

In  might  arn  not  thy  equal ;  but  the  event 
Rests  in  the  laps  of  Ihe  great  gods,  and  they 
May,  though  I  lack  thv  prowess,  give  thy  life 
Into  my  hands  when  I  shall  cast  my  spear. 
The  weapon  that  I  bear  ;s  keen  like  thine."  55° 

Thus  having  spoken,  blandishing  his  spear, 
He  sent  it  forth  ;  but  with  a  gentle  breath 
Minerva  turned  it  from  the  glorious  Greek, 
And  laid  it  at  the  noble  Hector's  feet. 
Then  did  Achilles,  resolute  to  slay  555 

His  enemy,  rush  against  him  iv'th  a  shout 
Of  fury  ;  but  Apollo,  with  such  nower 
As  gods  put  forth,  withdrew  him  thence,  and  spread 
A  darkness  round  him.     Thrice  th^  swift  of  foot, 
Achilles,  rushed  against  him  with  his  spear, 
And  thrice  he  smote  the  cloud.      But  when  once 
more. 


Rook  XX.  229 

In  godlike  might,  he  made  the  assault,  he  spake 
These  winged  words  of  menace  and  reproach  :  — 

"  Hound  as  thou  art,  thou  hast  once  more  escaped 
Thy  death  ;  for  it  was  near.     Again  the  hand        5^3 
Of  Phoebus  rescues  thee  ;  to  him  thy  vows 
Are  made  ere  thou  dost  trust  thyself  amidst 
The  clash  of  javelins.     I  shall  meet  thee  yet 
And  end  thee  utterly,  if  any  god 
Favor  me  also.     I  will  now  pursue  570 

And  strike  the  other  Trojan  warriors  down." 

He  spake,  and  in  the  middle  of  the  neck 
Smote  Dryops  with  his  spear.     The  Phrygian  fell 
Before  him  at  his  feet     He  left  him  there, 
And  wounding  with  his  spear  Philetors  son,          575 
Demuchus,  tall  and  valiant,  in  the  knee, 
Stayed  him  until  he  slew  him  with  his  sword. 
Then  from  their  chariot  to  the  ground  he  cast 
Laogonus  and  Dardanus,  the  sons 
Of  Bias,  piercing  with  a  javelin  one,  sso 

And  cutting  down  the  other  with  his  sword. 

And  Tros,  Alastor's  son,  who  came  to  him 
And  clasped  his  knees,  in  hope  that  he  would  spare 
A  captive,  —  spare  his  life,  nor  slay  a  youth 
Of  his  own  age,  —  vain  hope  !  he  little  knew         585 
That  not  by  prayers  Achilles  could  be  moved, 
Nor  was  he  pitiful,  nor  mild  of  mood, 
But  hard  of  heart,  - —  while  Tros  embraced  his  knees 
And  passionately  sued,  Pelides  thrust 
His  sword  into  his  side  ;  the  liver  came  ss° 


230  The  Iliad. 

forth  at  the  wound  ;  the  dark  blood  gushing  fillc-i 
The  Phrygian's  bosom  ;  o'er  his  eyes  there  crept 
A  darkness,  and  his  life  was  at  an  end. 

Approaching  Mulius  next,  Achilles  smote 
The  warrior  at  the  ear ;  the  brazen  point  59; 

Passed  through  the  other  ear ;  and  then  he  sl"\v 
Agenor's  son,  Echeclus,  letting  fall 
His  heavy-hiked  sword  upon  his  head 
Just  in  the  midst ;  the  blade  grew  warm  with  blood, 
And  gloomy  death  and  unrelenting  fate  <*» 

Darkened  the  victim's  eyes.     Achilles  next 
Wounded  Deucalion,  thrusting  through  his  arm 
The  brazen  javelin,  where  the  sinews  met 
That  strung  the  elbow.     While  with  powerless  arm' 
The  wounded  Trojan  stood  awaiting  death,  6os 

Achilles  drave  his  falchion  through  his  neck. 
Far  flew  the  head  and  helm,  the  marrow  flowed 
From  out  the  spine,  and  stretched  upon  the  ground 
Deucalion  lay.     Pelides  still  went  on, 
O'ertaking  Rigmus,  the  renowned  son  ««<> 

Of  Peireus,  from  the  fruitful  fields  of  Thrace, 
And  smote  him  in  the  stomach  with  his  lance. 
There  hung  the  weapon  fixed  ;  the  wounded  man 
Fell  from  the  car.     At  Areithoiis 
The  charioteer,  who  turned  his  steeds  to  flee,        6,5 
Achilles  sent  his  murderous  lance,  and  pierced 
His  back,  and  dashed  him  from  the  car,  and  left 
His  horses  wild  with  fright.     As  when,  among 
The  deep  dells  of  an  arid  mountain-side, 


/>W-  A  AY.  231 

A  great  fire  burns  its  way,  and  the  thick  wood      «*> 

Before  it  is  consumed,  and  shifting  winds 

Hither  and  thither  sweep  the  flames,  so  ranged 

Achilles  in  his  fury  through  the  field 

From  side  to  side,  and  everywhere  o'ertook 

His  victims,  and  the  earth  ran  dark  with  blood.    625 

As  when  a  yeoman  underneath  the  yoke 
Brings  his  broad-fronted  oxen  to  tread  out 
White  barley  on  the  level  threshing-floor, 
The  sheaves  are  quickly  trodden  small  beneath 
The  heavy  footsteps  of  the  bellowing  beasts,          630 
So  did  the  firm-paced  coursers,  which  the  son 
Of  F°leus  guided,  trample  with  their  feet 
Bucklers  and  corpses,  while  beneath  the  car 
Blood  steeped  the  axle,  and  the  chariot-seat 
Dripped  on  its  rim  with  blood,  that  from  below    635 
Was  splashed  upon  them  by  the  horses'  hoofs 
And  by  the  chariot-wheels.     Such  havoc  made 
Pelides  in  his  ardor  for  renown, 
Till  his  invincible  hands  were  foul  with  blood. 


BOOK    XXI. 

N'  OW  when  they  reached  the  pleasant  banks 
through  which 

The  eddying  Xanthus  runs,  the  river  sprung 
From  deathless  Jove,  Achilles  drave  his  foes 


232  The  Iliad. 

Asunder.      Part  he  chased  across  the  plain 

Townvvard,  along  the  way  by  which  the  Greek 

In  terror  fled  the  day  before,  pursued 

By  glorious  Hector.     Panic-struck  they  ran 

Along  that  way,  while,  to  restrain  their  flight, 

Before  them  Juno  hung  a  veil  of  cloud 

And  darkness.     Meanwhile  half  the  flying  crowd  ™ 

Leaped  down  to  that  deep  stream  and  rollec:  among 

Its  silver  eddies.     With  a  mighty  noise 

They   plunged ;    the    torrent   dashed ;    the    banks 

around 

Remurmurecl  shrilly  to  the  cries  of  those 
Who  floated  struggling  in  the  current's  whirl,         15 
As  when  before  the  fierce,  devouring  flames 
A  swarm  of  locusts,  springing  into  air, 
Fly  toward  a  river,  while  the  fire  behind 
Crackles  with  sudden  fierceness,  and  in  fright 
They  fall  into  the  waves,  the  roaring  stream 
Of  the  deep-eddied  Xanthus  thus  was  filled 
Before  Achilles  with  a  mingled  crowd 
Of  steeds  and  men.     The  Jove-descended  man 
Left  leaning  on  the  tamarisks  his  spear 
Upon  the  river's  border,  and  leaped  in, 
Armed  only  with  his  sword,  intent  to  deal 
Death  on  the  fugitives  ;  on  every  side 
He  smote,  and  from  the  smitten  by  the  sword 
Rose  lamentable  cries  ;  the  waves  around 
Grew  crimson  with  their  blood.     As  when  before  v 
A  dolphin  of  huge  bulk  the  fishes  flee 


Book  XXL  233 

In  fear,  and  crowd  the  creeks  that  lie  around 
The  sheltered  haven,  —  for  their  foe  devours 
All  that  he  overtakes,  —  the  Trojans  thus 
Hid  from  his  sight  among  the  hollow  rocks  35 

Beside  the  rushing  river.     When  his  hand 
Was  weary  with  the  work  of  death,  he  took 
Twelve  youths  alive,  whose  blood  was  yet  to  pay 
The  penalty  for  Mencetiades, 

His   slaughtered  friend.      He  led  them   from  the 
stream,  4u 

Passive  with  fear  like  fawns,  and  tied  their  hands 
Behind  them  with  the  well-twined  cords  that  bound 
Their  tunics.     Then  he  gave  them  to  his  friends, 
Who  led  the  captives  to  the  roomy  ships. 

Again  Achilles  rushed  upon  the  foe  43 

Intent  on  slaughter.     One  he  met  who  climbed 
The  river's  bank,  Dardanian  Priam's  son, 
Lycaon,  whom  in  former  days  he  made 
His  captive,  by  surprise,  when  in  the  night 
He  found  him  lopping  with  an  axe  the  boughs       5* 
Of  a  wild  fig-tree,  that  the  trunk  might  form 
The  circle  of  a  wheel.     Achilles  came, 
An  unexpected  foe,  and  bore  him  off 
To  sea,  and  sold  him  in  the  populous  isle 
Of  Lemnos.     He  was  bought  by  Jason's  son,         55 
The  Imbrian  prince,  Ee'tion,  who  had  been 
His  host,  and  now  redeemed  him  with  large  gifts, 
And  sent  him  to  Arisba's  noble  town. 
Yet  thence  he  stole,  and  reached  his  father's  house 


234  The  Iliad. 

Again,  and  there  made  merry  with  his  friends        &« 

Eleven  days,  but  on  the  twelfth  a  god 

Delivered  him  again  into  the  hands 

Of  Peleus'  son,  who  now  would  send  his  soul 

Repining  down  to  Hades.     When  the  chief, 

The  swift  of  foot,  beheld  him  stand  unarmed,         <>=, 

With  neither  helm  nor  shield  nor  spear,  —  for  these 

He  had  thrown  down,  —  faint  with  the  sweaty  toil 

Of  clambering  up  the  bank,  and  every  limb 

Unstrung  with  weariness,  then  wrathfully 

Thus  said  Achilles  to  his  mighty  soul  :  —  -« 

"  O  strange  !  my  eyes  behold  a  miracle. 
Sure,  the  brave  sons  of  Troy  whom  I  have  slain 
Will  rise  up  from  the  nether  darkness  yet, 
Since  this  man,  whom  I  once  reprieved  from  death 
And  sold  in  Lemnos  the  divine,  comes  back.          75 
Nor  could  the  ocean's  gray  abyss  of  brine, 
Beyond  which  many  long  in  vain  to  pass, 
Detain  him  in  that  isle.     But  he  shall  taste 
The  sharpness  of  my  spear,  that  I  may  prove 
Whether  he  after  that  will  reappear,  so 

And  whether  the  kind  earth,  which  holds  so  well 
The  valiant  dead,  can  keep  him  in  her  womb." 

So  pondered  he  and  stood.     The  Trojan  drew 
Close  to  him,  with  intent  to  clasp  his  knees, 
Fear-struck,  yet  hoping  to  avoid  the  doom  »s 

Of  bitter  death.     The  great  Achilles  raised 
His  ponderous  spear  to  strike.     Lycaon  stooped, 
And,  darting  underneath  the  weapon,  seized 


Book  XXr.  235 

The  hero's  knees ;  behind  him  in  the  ground 

The  spear  stood  fixed,  though  eager  yet  for  blood ;  o° 

One  arm  was  round  his  adversary's  knees, 

The  other  held  —  and  would  not  let  it  go  — 

The    spear,     while    thus    with     winged    words   he 

prayed  :  — 

"  I  clasp  thy  knees,  Achilles  ;  look  on  me 
Kindly  and  pity  me,  O  foster-child  95 

Of  Jove.     I  am  thy  suppliant,  and  may  claim 
Thy  mercy.     I  partook  with  thee  the  fruits 
Of  Ceres,  when  amid  my  fruitful  fields 
Thou  madest  me  a  captive,  carrying  me 
From  friends  and  kindred  to  the  sacred  isle  100 

Of  Lemnos.     Thou  didst  sell  me  there,  —  my  price 
A  hundred  beeves,  —  and  thou  shalt  now  receive, 
For  ransom,  thrice  as  many.     It  is  yet 
But  the  twelfth  morning  since  I  came  to  Troy 
After  much  hardship,  and  a  pitiless  fate  105 

Betrays  me  to  thy  hands.     I  must  believe 
That  Father  Jove  in  wrath  delivers  me 
To  thee  again.     Laothoe  brought  me  forth 
To  a  brief  life  ;  that  mother  was  the  child 
Of  aged  Altes,  —  Altes  ruling  o'er  no 

The  warlike  Leleges,  by  whom  are  tilled 
The  heights  of  Pedasus,  where  Satnio  flows,  — 
And  Priam  wedded  her  with  other  maids. 
She  bore  two  children  to  be  slain  by  thee  ; 
One  was  the  godlike  Polydore,  whom  thou  »5 

Didst  smite  with  thy  keen  spear,  in  the  front  rank 


236  The  Iliad. 

Of  those  who  fought  on  foot.     His  evil  late 

Must  overtake  me  now,  for,  since  a  god 

Has  brought  me  near  thee,  there  is  no  escapb. 

Yet  let  me  tell  thee  this,  and  weigh  it  well,  ..« 

And  let  it  save  my  life.      I  came  not  forth 

From  the  same  womb  with  Hector,  by  whose  hand 

Thy  brave  and  gentle  friend,  Patroclus,  died." 

The  illustrious  son  of  Priam  ended  here 
His  prayer,  and  heard  a  merciless  reply  : —  ^ 

"  Fool !  never  talk  of  ransom,  —  not  a  word. 
Before  the  evil  day  on  which  my  friend 
Was  slain,  it  pleased  me  oftentimes  to  spare 
The  Trojans.     Many  a  one  I  took  alive 
And  sold  ;  but  now  no  man  of  all  their  race,         130 
Whom  any  god  may  bring  within  my  reach, 
Shall  leave  the  field  alive,  and  least  of  all 
The  sons  of  Priam.     Die  thou,  then  ;  and  why 
Shouldst  thou,  my  friend,  lament?     Patroclus  died, 
And  greatly  he  excelled  thee.     Seest  thou  not      135 
How  eminent  in  stature  and  in  form 
Am  I,  whom  to  a  prince  renowned  for  worth 
A  goddess  mother  bore  ;  yet  will  there  come 
To  me  a  violent  death  at  morn,  at  eve, 
Or  at  the  midday  hour,  whenever  he  u° 

Whose  weapon  is  to  take  my  life  shall  cast 
The  spear  or  send  an  arrow  from  the  string." 

He  spake  :   the  Trojan's  heart  and  knees  grew 

faint ; 
His  hand  let  go  the  spear ;  he  sat  and  cowered 


Book  XXI.  237 

With  outstretched  arms.     Achilles  drew  his  sword, 
And  smote  his  neck  just  at  the  collar-bone  ;          u6 
The  two-edged  blade  was  buried  deep.     He  fell 
Prone  on  the  earth  ;  the  black  blood  spouted  forth 
And  steeped  the  soil.     Achilles  by  the  foot 
Flung  him  to  float  among  the  river-waves,  150 

And  uttered,  boastfully,  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  Lie  there  among  the  fishes,  who  shall  feed 
Upon  thy  blood  unscared.     No  mother  there 
Shall  weep  thee  lying  on  thy  bier ;  thy  corpse 
Scamander  shall  bear  down  to  the  broad  sea,         153 
Where,  as  he  sees  thee  darkening  its  face, 
Some  fish  shall  hasten,  darting  through  the  waves, 
To  feed  upon  Lycaon's  fair  white  limbs. 
So  perish  ye,  till  sacred  Troy  be  ours, 
You  fleeing,  while  I  follow  close  arid  slay.  *&> 

This  river  cannot  aid  you,  —  this  fair  stream 
With  silver  eddies,  to  whose  deity 
Ye  offer  many  beeves  in  sacrifice, 
And  fling  into  its  gulfs  your  firm-paced  steeds ; 
But  thus  ye  all  shall  perish,  till  I  take  '65 

Full  vengeance  for  Patroclus  of  the  Greeks, 
Whom,  while  I  stood  aloof  from  war,  ye  slew." 

He  spake  :  and,  deeply  moved  with  inward  wrath, 
The  River  pondered  how  to  render  vain 
The  prowess  of  Achilles,  and  avert  >?» 

Destruction  from  the  Trojans      Now  the  son 
Of  Peleus  rushed,  his  ponderous  spear  in  hand, 
To  slay  Asteropaeus,  who  was  sprung 


238  The  Iliad. 

From  Pelegon,  and  Pelegon  was  born 
To  the  broad  river  Axius,  of  a  maid,  «7j 

The  eldest-born  of  Acessamenus, 
Named  Periboea  ;  for  the  river-god 
Was  joined  with  her  in  love.     Achilles  sprang 
To  meet  the  youth,  as,  rising  from  the  stream, 
Armed  with  two  spears,  he  stood,  his  heart  made 
strong  J8° 

And  resolute  by  Xanthus,  who  had  seen 
Indignantly  so  many  Trojans  die,  — 
Youths  whom  Achilles  slaughtered  in  his  stream, 
And  had  no  pity  on  them.     When  the  twain 
Were  near  each  other,  standing  face  to  face,          .as 
The  swift  Achilles  was  the  first  to  speak  :  — 
"  Who  and  whence  art  thou  that  dost  venture  thus 
To  meet  me?     They  who  seek  to  measure  strength 
With  me  are  sons  of  most  unhappy  men." 

And  thus  the  illustrious  son  of  Pelegon  -90 

Made  answer  :  "  Brave  Pelides,  why  inquire 
My  lineage  ?     I  am  from  a  distant  coast,  — 
Paeonia's  fertile  fields  ;  I  lead  to  war 
Paeonia's  warriors  with  long  spears,  and  this 
Is  now  the  eleventh  morning  since  I  came  '95 

To  join  the  war  at  Troy.     I  claim  descent 
From  Axius,  the  broad  Axius,  who  pours  forth 
The  fairest  river  on  the  earth.     His  son 
Was  Pelegon,  expert  to  wield  the  spear, 
And  I  was  born  to  Pelegon.     And  now,  •><* 

Illustrious  son  of  Peleus,  let  us  fight." 


nook  XXI.  239 

He  spake :  Achilles  raised  the  Pelian  ash 
To  smite  ;  Asteropasus  aimed  at  him 
Both  lances,  for  he  used  both  hands  alike. 
One  struck  the   Grecian's  shield,    yet   passed  not 
through,  *>s 

Stopped  by  the  god-given  gold  ;  the  other  gashed 
Lightly  the  elbow  of  his  dexter  arm  ; 
The  black  blood  spouted  forth,  the  spear  passed  on 
Beyond  him,  and,  still  eager  for  its  prey, 
Stood  fixed  in  earth.     Achilles  then,  intent  210 

To  slay  Asteropaeus,  hurled  at  him 
His  trusty  spear.     The  weapon  missed  its  mark, 
AixL  striking  the  high  bank,  was  buried  there 
Up  to  the  middle  of  its  ashen  staff. 
Achilles  drew  the  keen  sword  from  his  thigh,        2-5 
And  flew  with  fury  toward  his  foe,  who  toiled 
In  vain  with  sinewy  arm  to  pluck  that  spear 
From  out  the  bank  ;  and  thrice  he  shook  the  beam 
Fiercely,  and  thrice  desisted,  lacking  strength, 
And  last  he  sought,  by  bending  it,  to  break  =o 

The  a-shen  weapon  of  ^Eacides. 
But  ere  it  snapped  Achilles  took  his  life, 
Smiting  him  at  the  navel  with  the  sword. 
Forth  gushed  the  entrails  to  the  ground,  and  o'er 
His  dying  eyes  the  darkness  came  ;  and  then        ^ 
Achilles,  leaping  on  his  breast,  tore  off 
The  armor,  and  exultingly  exclaimed  :  — 

"  Lie  there  !  a  perilous  task  it  was  for  thee 
To  combat  with  a  son  of  Jove,  though  born 


240  The  Iliad. 

Thyself  to  a  great  River.      I  can  boast  330 

Descent  from  sovereign  Jove.     I  owe  mv  birth 

To  Peleus,  ruler  of  the  Myrmidons. 

His  father  was  ^Eacus,  who  was  born 

To  Jupiter,  a  god  more  potent  far 

Than  all  the  rivers  flowing  to  the  sea.  •*& 

And  mightier  is  the  race  of  Jupiter 

Than  that  of  any  stream.     Here  close  at  hand 

Is  a  great  river,  if  such  aid  can  aught 

Avail  thee ;  but  to  strive  with  Jupiter 

Is  not  permitted.     Acheloiis,  king  240 

Of  rivers,  cannot  vie  with  him,  nor  yet 

The  great  and  mighty  deep'from  which  proceed 

All  streams  and  seas  and  founts  and  watery  depths. 

He  trembles  at  the  bolt  of  mighty  Jove 

And  his  hoarse  thunder  crashing  in  the  sky."         =45 

As  thus  he  spake  he  plucked  from  out  the  bank 
His  brazen  spear,  and  left  the  lifeless  chief 
Stretched  in  the  sand,  where  the  dark  water  steeped 
His  limbs,  and  eels  and  fishes  came  and  gnawed 
The  warrior's  reins.     Achilles  hastened  on,  w 

Pursuing  the  Pseonian  knights,  who  now, 
When  they  beheld  their  bravest  overthrown 
In  desperate  battle  by  the  mighty  arm 
And  falchion  of  Pelides,  took  to  flight 
Along  the  eddying  river.     There  he  slew  255 

Mydon,  Thersilochus,  Astypylus, 
Mnesus,  and  Thrasius,  and  struck  down  in  death 
^Enius  and  Ophelestes.     Many  more 


Book  XXL  241 

Of  the  Pasonians  the  swift-footed  Greek 

Had  slain,  had  not  the  eddying  River,  roused       **. 

To  anger,  put  a  human  semblance  on, 

And  uttered  from  its  whirling  deeps  a  voice  :  — 

"  O  son  of  Peleus  !  thou  who  dost  excel 
All  other  men  in  might  and  dreadful  deeds,  — 
For  the  gods  aid  thee  ever,  —  if  the  son  *>* 

Of  Saturn  gives  thee  to  destroy  the  race 
Of  Trojans,  drive  them  from  me  to  the  plain, 
And  there  perform  thy  terrible  exploits. 
For  now  my  pleasant  waters,  in  their  flow, 
Are  choked  with  heaps  of  dead,  and  I  no  more     270 
Can  pour  them  into  the  great  deep,  so  thick 
The  corpses  clog  my  bed,  while  thou  dost  slay 
And  sparest  not.     Now  then,  withhold  thy  hand, 
Prince  of  the  people  !     I  am  horror-struck." 

Achilles  the  swift-footed  made  reply  :  275 

"  Be  it  as  thou  commandest,  foster-child 
Of  Jove,  Scamander!     Yet  I  shall  not  cease 
To  slay  these  treaty-breakers  till  at  length 
I  shut  them  up  within  their  town,  and  force 
Hector  to  meet  me,  that  we  may  decide  &° 

Which  shall  o'ercome  the  other,  —  he  or  I." 

He  spake,  and  rushed  upon  the  men  of  Troy, 
Terrible  as  a  god,  while  from  his  bed 
The  eddying  River  called  to  Phoebus  thus  :  — 

"  Why  this,  thou  bearer  of  the  silver  bow,  285 

Thcu  son  of  Jove  ?     Thou  heedest  not  the  will 
Of  Saturn's  son,  who  stnctly  bade  that  thou 

VOL.    II.  II  P 


242  The  Iliad. 

Shoulcist  aid  the  Trojans  till  the  latest  gleam 
Of  sunset,  and  till  night  is  on  the  fields." 

And  then  Achilles,  mighty  with  the  spear,          290 
From  the  steep  bank  leaped  into  the  mid-stream, 
While,  foul  with  ooze,  the  angry  River  raised 
His  waves,  and  pushed  along  the  heaps  of  dead 
Slain  by  Achilles.     These,  with  mighty  roar 
As  of  a  bellowing  ox,  Scamander  cast  295 

Aground  ;  the  living  with  his  whirling  gulfs 
He  hid,  and  saved  them  in  his  friendly  streams. 
In  tumult  terribly  the  surges  rose 
Around  Achilles,  beating  on  his  shield, 
And  made  his  feet  to  stagger,  till  he  grasped        300 
A  tall,  fair-growing  elm  upon  the  bank. 
Down  came  the  tree,  and  in  its  loosened  roots 
Brought  the  earth  with    it ;    the   fair  stream  was 

checked 

By  the  thick  branches,  and  the  prostrate  trunk 
Bridged  it  from  side  to  side.     Achilles  sprang      305 
From  the  deep  pool,  and  fled  with  rapid  feet 
Across  the  plain  in  terror.     Nor  did  then 
The  mighty  river-god  refrain,  but  rose 
Against  him  with  a  darker  crest,  to  drive 
The  noble  son  of  Peleus  from  the  field,  310 

And  so  deliver  Troy.     Pelides  sprang 
A  spear's  cast  backward,  —  sprang  with  all  the  speed 
Of  the  black  eagle's  wing,  the  hunter-bird, 
Fleetest  and  strongest  of  the  fowls  of  air. 
Like  him  he  darted  ;  clasning  rounu  his  breast,    31. 


Book  XXL  243 

The  brazen  mail  rang  learfuuy.     Askance 
He  fled  ;  th|^water  with  a  mighty  roar 
Followed  him  close.     As,  when  a  husbandman 
Leads  forth,  from  some  dark  spring  of  earth,  a  rill 
Among  his  planted  garden-beds,  and  clears  ?» 

Its  channel,  spade  in  hand,  the  pebbles  there 
Move  with  the  current,  which  runs  murmuring  down 
The  sloping  surface  and  outstrips  its  guide,  — 
So  rushed  the  waves  where'er  Achilles  ran, 
Swift  as  he  was  ;  for  mightier  are  the  gods  325 

Than  men.     As  often  as  the  noble  son 
Of  Peleus  made  a  stand  in  hope  to  know 
Whether  the  deathless  gods  of  the  great  heaven 
Conspired  to  make  him  flee,  so  often  came 
A  mighty  billow  of  the  Jove-born  stream  330 

And  drenched  his  shoulders.     Then  again  he  sprang 
Away  ;  the  rapid  torrent  made  his  knees 
To  tremble,  while  it  swept,  where'er  he  trod, 
The  earth  from  underneath  his  feet.     He  looked 
To  the  broad  heaven  above  him,  and  complained  :  — 
"  Will  not  some  god,  O  Father  Jove,  put  forth  336 
His  power  to  save  me  in  my  hour  of  need 
From  this  fierce  river  ?     Any  fate  but  this 
I  am  resigned  to  suffer.     None  of  all 
The  immortal  ones  is  more  in  fault  than  she          340 
To  whom  I  owe  my  birth  ;  her  treacherous  words 
Deluded  me  to  think  that  I  should  fall 
Beneath  the  walls  of  Troy  by  the  swift  shafts 
Of  Phoebus.     Would  that  Hector,  the  most  brave 


244  The  Iliad. 

Of  warriors  reared  upon  the  Trojan  soil,  345 

Had  slain  me  ;  he  had  slain  a  brave  rj^an  then, 

And  a  brave  man  had  stripped  me  of  my  arms. 

But  now  it  is  my  fate  to  perish,  caught 

In  this  great  river,  like  a  swineherd's  boy, 

Who  in  the  time  of  rains  attempts  to  pass  ss« 

A  torrent,  and  is  overwhelmed  and  drowned." 

He  spake,  and  Neptune  and  Minerva  came 
Quickly  and  stood  beside  him.     In  the  form 
Of  men  they  came,  and  took  his  hand,  and  cheered 
His  spirit  with  their  words.     And  thus  the  god     355 
Neptune,  who  makes  the  earth  to  tremble,  said  :  — 

"  Fear  not,  Pelides,  neither  let  thy  heart 
Be  troubled,  since  thou  hast  among  the  gods, 
By  Jove's  consent,  auxiliars  such  as  I 
And  Pallas.     It  is  not  thy  doom  to  be  360 

Thus  vanquished  by  a  river.     Soon  its  rage 
Will  cease,  as  thou  shalt  see.     Meantime  we  give 
This  counsel ;  heed  it  well :  let  not  thy  hand 
Refrain  from  slaughter  till  the  Trojan  host 
Are  all  shut  up  —  all  that  escape  thy  arm  —         #5 
Within  the  lofty  walls  of  Troy.     Then  take 
The  life  of  Hector,  and  return  on  board 
Thy  galleys ;  we  will  make  that  glory  thine." 

Thus  having  spoken,  they  withdrew  and  joined 
The  immortals,  while  Achilles  hastened  on,  w 

Encouraged  by  the  mandate  of  the  gods, 
Across  the  plain.     The  plain  was  overflowed 
With  water ;  sumptuous  arms  were  floating  round, 


Hook  XXI.  2/15 

And  bodies  of  slain  youths.     Achilles  leaped, 
And  stemmed  with  powerful  limbs  the  stream,  and 

Still  373 

Went  forward  ;  for  Minerva  mightily 

Had  strengthened  Kim.     Nor  did  Scamander  fail 

To  put  forth  all  his  power,  enraged  the  more 

Against  the  son  of  Peleus  ;  higher  still 

His  torrent  swelled  and  tossed  with  all  its  waves,   ?£° 

And  thus  he  called  to  Simois  with  a  shout :  — 

"  O  brother,  join  with  me  to  hold  in  check 
This  man,  who  threatens  soon  to  overthrow 
King  Priam's  noble  city ;  for  no  more 
The  Trojan  host  resist  him.     Come  at  once          sss 
And  aid  me  ;  fill  thy  channel  from  its  springs, 
And  summon  all  thy  brooks,  and  lift  on  high 
A  mighty  wave,  and  roll  along  thy  bed, 
Mingled  in  one  great  torrent,  trees  and  stones, 
That  we  may  tame  this  savage  man,  who  now        3*> 
In  triumph  walks  the  field,  and  bears  himself 
As  if  he  were  a  god.     His  strength,  I  deem, 
Will  not  avail  him,  nor  his  noble  form, 
Nor  those  resplendent  arms,  which  yet  shall  lie 
Scattered  along  the  bottom  of  my  gulfs,  395 

And  foul  with  ooze.     Himself  too  I  shall  wrap 
In  sand,  and  pile  the  rubbish  of  my  bed 
In  heaps  around  him.     Never  shall  the  Greeks 
Know  where  to  gather  up  his  bones,  o'erspread 
By  me  with  river-slime,  for  there  shall  be  400 

His  burial-place  ;  no  other  tomb  the  Greeks 


246  The  Iliad. 

Will  need  when  they  perform  his  funeral  rites." 

He  spake,  and  wrath  fully  he  rose  against 
Achilles,  —  rose  with  turbid  waves,  and  noise, 
And  foam,  and  blood  and  bodies  of  the  dead.        405 
One  purple  billow  of  the  Jove-born  stream 
Swelled  high  and  whelmed  Achilles.     Juno  saw, 
And  trembled  lest  the  hero  should  be  whirled 
Downward  by  the  great  river,  and  in  haste 
She  called  to  Vulcan,  her  beloved  son  :  —  *» 

"  Vulcan,  my  son,  arise  !     We  deemed  that  thou 
And  eddying  Xanthus  were  of  equal  might 
In  battle.     Come  with  instant  aid,  and  bring 
Thy  vast  array  of  flames,  while  from  the  deep 
I  call  a  tempest  of  the  winds,  —  the  West  4-5 

And  the  swift  South,  —  and  they  shall  sweep  along 
A  fiery  torrent  to  consume  the  foe, 
Warriors  and  weapons.     Thou  meantime  lay  waste 
The  groves  along  the  Xanthus ;  hurl  at  him 
Thy  fires,  nor  let  him  with  soft  words  or  threats    *™ 
Avert  thy  fury.     Pause  not  from  the  work 
Of  ruin  till  I  shout  and  give  the  sign, 
And  then  shalt  thou  restrain  thy  restless  fires." 
She  spake,  and  Vulcan  at  her  word  sent  forth 
His  fierce,  devouring  flames.     Upon  the  plain      4~5 
They  first  were  kindled,  and  consumed  the  dead 
That  strewed  it,  where  Achilles  struck  them  clown. 
The  ground  was  dried  ;   the  glimmering  flood  was 

stayed. 
As  when  the  autumnal  north-wind,  breathing  o'er 


Book  XXI.  247 

A  newly  watered  garden,  quickly  dries  «o 

The  clammy  mould,  and  makes  the  tiller  glad, 
So  did  the  spacious  plain  grow  dry  on  which 
The  dead  were  turned  to  ashes.     Then  the  god 
Seized  on  the  river  with  his  glittering  fires. 
The  elms,  the  willows,  and  the  tamarisks  435 

Fell,  scorched  to  cinders,  and  the  lotus-herbs, 
Rushes,  and  reeds  that  richly  fringed  the  banks 
Of  that  fair-flowing  current  were  consumed. 
The  eels  and  fishes,  that  were  wont  to  glide 
Hither  and  thither  through  the  pleasant  depths    440 
And  eddies,  languished  in  the  fiery  breath 
Of  Vulcan,  mighty  artisan.     The  strength 
Of  the  great  River  withered,  and  he  spake  :  — 

"  O  Vulcan,  there  is  none  of  all  the  gods 
Who  may  contend  with  thee.     I  combat  not          445 
With  fires  like  thine.     Cease  then.    With  my  consent 
The  noble  son  of  Peleus  may  drive  out 
The  Trojans  from  their  city.     What  have  I 
To  do  with  war,  —  the  attack  or  the  defence?" 

Thus  in  that  fiery  glow  he  spake,  while  seethed  ^ 
His  pleasant  streams.     As  over  a  strong  fire 
A  caldron  filled  with  fat  of  pampered  swine 
Glows  bubbling  on  all  sides,  while  underneath 
Burns  the  dry  fuel,  thus  were  his  fair  streams 
Scorched  by  the  heat,  and  simmered,  while  the  blast 
Sent  forth  by  Vulcan,  the  great  artisan,  ^ 

Tormented  him,  and  he  besought  the  aid 
Of  Juno  with  these  supplicating  words.-  — 


248  The  Iliad. 

"Why  should  thy  son,  O  Juno,  wreak  on  me 
His  fury,  more  than  on  the  other  gods  ?  460 

My  fault  is  less  than  theirs  who  give  their  aid 
To  Troy  ;  and  I  will  cease,  if  thou  command. 
Bid  him  desist,  and  here  I  pledge  my  oath 
Not  to  attempt  to  save  the  Trojan  race 
From  ruin,  though  their  city  sink  in  flames  465 

Before  the  torches  of  the  warlike  Greeks." 

This  when  the  white-armed  goddess  Juno  heard, 
She  said  to  Vulcan,  her  beloved  son  :  — 

"  Dear  son,  refrain  ;  it  is  not  well  that  thus 
A  god  should  suffer  for  the  sake  of  men."  4-a 

She  spake,  and  Vulcan   quenched  his  dreadful 

fires, 

And  back  the  pleasant  waters  to  their  bed 
Went  gliding.     Xanthus  had  been  made  to  yield, 
And  the  two  combatants  no  longer  strove 
Since  Juno,  though  offended,  bade  them  cease.     475 

Yet  was  the  conflict  terrible  among 
The  other  gods,  as  zeal  for  different  sides 
Impelled  them.     With  a  loud  uproar  they  met 
Each  other  in  the  field  ;  the  spacious  earth 
Rebellowed  to  the  noise,  and  the  great  heaven     480 
Returned  it.     To  the  ear  of  Jove  it  rose, 
Who,  sitting  on  Olympus,  laughed  within 
His  secret  heart  as  he  beheld  the  gods 
Contending,  for  not  long  they  stood  apart. 
Shield-breaking  Mars  began  the  assault ;  he  rushed 
Toward  Pallas,  brandishing  his  brazen  spear,        486 


Book  XXL  249 

thus  accosted  her  with  insolent  words  :  — 
"Thou  shameless  one,  thou  whose  effrontery 
fs  boundless,  why  wilt  thou  provoke  the  gods 
To  strife  ?     Thy  temper  is  most  arrogant.  490 

Remembeiest  thou  the  time  when  thou  didst  prompt 
Tydides  Diomed  to  strike  at  me  ? 
It  was  thy  hand  that  held  his  shining  spear, 
And  aimed  it  well,  and  gave  the  wound  ;  but  now 
Will  I  take  vengeance  on  thee  for  that  wrong."     495 

He  spake,  and  smote  Minerva's  fringed  shield, 
The  dreadful  aegis,  which  not  even  Jove 
Could  pierce  with  thunderbolts.      The  murderous 

Mars 

Smote  it  with  his  huge  spear.     She  only  stepped 
Backward  a  space,  and  with  her  powerful  hand     500 
Lifted  a  stone  that  lay  upon  the  plain, 
Black,  huge,  and  jagged,  which  the  men  of  old 
Had  placed  there  for  a  landmark.     This  she  hurled 
At  Mars,  and  struck  him  on  the  neck  ;  he  fell 
With  nerveless  limbs,  and  covered,  as  he  lay,        505 
Seven  acres  of  the  field  :  his  armor  clashed 
Around  him  in  his  fall  ;  his  locks  all  soiled 
Lay  in  the  trodden  dust.     The  goddess  stood 
O'er  him,  and  boasted  thus  with  winged  words  :  — 
"  Fool  that  thou  art,  hast  thou  not  learned  how 
much  310 

The  might  I  boast  excels  thine  own,  that  thus 
Thou  measures!  strength  with  me  ?     Now  dost  thou 
feel 

ii* 


2;o  The  Iliad. 

Thy  mother's  curse  fulfilled,  who  meditates 

Thy  chastisement,  since  thou  hast  left  the  Greeks 

And  joined  the  treaty-breaking  sons  of  Troy,"       5« 

She  spake,  and  turned  away  her  glorious  eyes. 
Jove's  daughter,  Venus,  took  the  hand  of  Mars, 
And  led  him  groaning  thence,  while  hardly  yet 
His  strength  came  back.     The  white-armed  Juno 

saw, 
And  spake  to  Pallas  thus,  with  winged  words  :  —  s«> 

"  See,  daughter  of  the  /Egis-bearer,  Jove, 
Unconquerable  maid  !  that  shameless  one, 
Through  all  the  tumult,  from  the  thick  of  fight, 
Leads  hence  the  murderous  Mars ;  but  follow  her." 

She  spake,  and  Pallas  gladly  hastened  forth,     525 
And,  overtaking  Venus,  dealt  at  her 
A  mighty  buffet  on  the  breast ;  her  heart 
Fainted,  her  knees  gave  way  ;  and,  as  she  lay 
Prostrate  with  Mars  upon  the  fruitful  earth, 
Exulting  Pallas  spake  these  winged  words  :  —       530 

"  Would  that  all  those  who  aid  the  cause  of  Troy 
And  combat  with  the  mailed  Greeks  were  thus ! 
Would  that  they  were  as  hardy  and  as  brave 
As  Venus  here,  who  ventured  to  the  help 
Of  Mars,  and  met  the  force  of  my  right  arm  !         535 
Then  had  the  stately  Ilium  been  o'erthrown 
Long  since,  and  we  had  rested  from  the  war." 

She  spake  :  the  white-armed  Juno  gently  smiled. 
And  then  King  Neptune  to  Apollo  said  :  — 

"  Why,  Phoebus,  stand  we  thus  aloof?  it  ill        «• 


Book  XXL  251 

Becomes  us,  while  the  other  gods  engage 

In  conflict.     'T  were  a  shame  should  we  return 

Up  to  Olympus  and  the  brazen  halls 

Of  Jove  with  no  blow  struck.     Begin,  for  thou 

Art  younger  born,  and  I,  who  both  in  years  545 

And  knowledge  am  before  thee,  must  not  make 

The  assault.     O  silly  god,  and  slow  of  thought  1 

Hast  thou  indeed  forgotten  all  the  wrongs 

We  suffered  once  in  Troy,  and  only  we 

Of  all  the  gods,  when,  sent  to  earth  by  Jove,         ss<> 

We  served  a  twelvemonth  for  a  certain  hire 

The  proud  Laomedon,  by  whom  our  tasks 

Were  set  ?     I  built  a  city  and  a  wall 

Of  broad  extent,  and  beautiful,  and  strong 

To  stand  assault ;  and,  Phoebus,  thou  didst  feed   555 

His  stamping  oxen,  with  curved  horns,  among 

The  lawns  of  woody  Ida  seamed  with  glens. 

But  when  the  welcome  hours  had  brought  the  day 

Of  our  reward,  the  ruffian  king  refused 

The  promised  wages,  and  dismissed  us  both          <f* 

With  menaces ;  to  bind  thee  hand  and  foot 

He  threatened,  and  to  sell  thee  as  a  slave 

In  distant  isles,  and  to  cut  off  the  ears 

Of  both  of  us.     So  we  returned  to  heaven, 

Incensed  at  him  who  thus  withheld  the  hire  565 

He  promised.     Dost  thou  favor  Troy  for  this? 

Wilt  thou  not  rather  act  with  us  until 

These  treaty-breakers,  with  their  children  all 

And  their  chaste  matrons,  perish  utterly?" 


252  The  Iliad- 

Then  thus  the  archer-king,  Aroollo,  spake  :         s> 
"  Thou  wouldst  not  deem  me  wise,  should  I  contend 
With  thee,  O  Neptune,  for  the  ;ake  of  men, 
Who  flourish  like  the  forest-leaves  awhile, 
And  feed  upon  the  fruits  of  earth,  and  then 
Decay  and  perish.     Let  us  quit  the  field,  vs 

And  leave  the  combat  to  the  warring  hosts." 

He  spake,  and  turned,  afraid  to  rr»eet  in  arms 
His  uncle  ;  but  the  sylvan  Dian  he?.id, — 
His  sister,  mistress  of  the  beasts  that  range 
The  wilds,  — and  harshly  thus  upbraided  him  :  —  580 

"O  mighty  Archer,  dost  thou  flee  and  yield 
The  victory  to  Neptune,  who  bears  off 
A  glory  cheaply  earned  ?     Why  dost  thcu  bear 
That  idle  bow,  thou  coxcomb?     I  shall  hope 
No  more  to  hear  thee  in  our  father's  halls.  585 

And  in  the  presence  of  the  immortals,  boast 
That  thou  wilt  fight  with  Neptune  hand  to  h.v.rt." 

The  archer-god,  Apollo,  answered  not ; 
But  thus  the  imperial  wife  of  Jupiter, 
Indignantly  and  with  reproachful  words, 
Rebuked  the  quivered  goddess  of  the  chase  -:  -  - 

"  How  is  it  that  thou  darest,  shameless  one, 
Resist  me?     Thou  wilt  find  it  hard,  though  tnnned 
In  archery,  to  match  thy  strength  with  mine, 
Though  Jove  has  made  thee  among  womankind 
A  lioness,  and  though  he  gives  thee  power 
To  slay  whomever  of  thy  sex  thou  wilt ; 
Vet  wilt  thou  find  it  easier  to  strike  down 


Hook  XXL  253 

The  mountain  beasts  of  prey,  and  forest  deer, 
Than  combat  with  thy  betters.     If  thou  choose     '-« 
To  try  the  event  of  battle,  then  put  forth 
Thy  strength  against  me,  and  thou  shalt  be  taught 
How  greatly  I  excel  in  might  of  arm." 

Thus  Juno  spake,  and  grasped  in  her  left  hand 
Both  Dian's  wrists,  and,  plucking  with  her  right   605 
The  quiver  from  her  shoulders,  beat  with  it 
Her  ears,  and  smiled  as  under  her  quick  blows 
The  sufferer  writhed.     To  earth  the  arrows  fell, 
And  Dian  weeping  fled.     As  when  a  dove, 
Not  fated  to  be  overtaken  yet,  em 

Flees  from  a  hawk  to  find  her  hiding-place, 
The  hollow  rock,  so  Dian  fled  in  tears, 
And  left  her  arrows.     To  Latona,  then, 
Heaven's  messenger,  the  Argus-queller,  spake  :  — 

"  Far  be  it  from  me  to  contend  with  thee,          615 
Latona  ;  perilous  it  were  to  meet 
A  consort  of  the  Cloud-compeller,  Jove, 
In  combat.     Go  and  freely  make  thy  boast 
Among  the  gods  that  thou  hast  vanquished  me." 

He  spake  :  Latona  gathered  from  the  ground    6=* 
C he  bow  and  shafts  which  in  that  whirl  of  dust 
Had  fallen  here  and  there,  and,  bearing  them, 
Followed  her  daughter,  who  meantime  had  reached 
Olympus  and  the  brazen  halls  of  Jove. 
And  there,  a  daughter  at  her  father's  knees,          625 
She  sat  her  down,  while,  as  she  wept,  her  robe 
Of  heavenly  texture  trembled.     Graciously 


254  Th 

Jove  smiled,  and  drew  her  toward  him  and  inquir'  <! 

"  What  dweller  of  the  sky  has  dared  do  this, 

Dear  child.,  as  though  some  flagrant  guilt  were  thine?" 

And  thus  replied  the  mistress  of  the  chase         ey 
Crowned   with  the  crescent :    "  Father,  't  was  thy 

queen, 

The  white-armed  Juno  ;  she  who  causes  strife 
And  wrath  among  the  gods  has  done  me  wrong  " 

So  talked  they,  while  to  sacred  Ilium  came        «.« 
Phoebus  Apollo ;  't  was  his  charge  to  watch 
The  well-built  city's  ramparts,  lest  the  Greeks 
That  day  should  lay  it  waste  against  the  will 
Of  fate.     The  other  gods  went  back  to  heaven, 
Some  angry,  some  exulting.     They  sat  down         6*> 
Beside  the  All-Father,  him  who  darkens  heaven 
With  gathered  clouds.     Meantime  Achilles  chased 
And  slew  the  Trojans  and  their  firm-paced  steeds. 
As,  when  the  smoke  rolls  heavenward  from  a  town 
Given  by  the  angry  gods  a  prey  to  fire, 
Toil  is  the  lot  of  all,  and  bitter  woe 
The  fate  of  many,  such  the  woe  and  toil 
Caused  by  Achilles  to  the  sons  of  Troy. 

The  aged  Priam  from  a  lofty  tower 
Beheld  the  large-limbed  son  of  Peleus  range         «s« 
The  field,  and  all  the  Trojans  helplessly 
Fleeing  in  tumult.     With  a  cry  of  grief 
He  came  from  that  high  station  to  the  ground, 
And  gave  commandment  to  the  sturdy  men 
Who  stood  to  watch  the  gates  along  the  wall :  —  651 


Book  XXL  255 

:;  Hold  the  gates  open  while  the  flying  host 
Enter  the  city  ;  for  Achilles  comes, 
Routing  them,  near  at  hand,  and  we  may  see 
Terrible  havoc.     But  when  all  our  troops 
Are  once  within  the  walls,  and  breathe  again,        6& 
Shut  the  close-fitting  portals  ;  for  I  dread 
"  Lest  that  fierce  warrior  rush  into  our  streets." 

He  spake  :  they  drew  the  bolts  and  opened  wide 
The  gates,  and  gave  a  refuge  to  the  host 
Then  leaped  Apollo  forth  to  meet  their  flight        665 
And  rescue  them.     All  faint  with  burning  thirst, 
And  grimed  with  dust,  they  hurried  o'er  the  plain, 
And  toward  the  city  and  its  lofty  walls, 
While  eagerly  Achilles  on  their  track 
Pressed  with  his  spear  ;  his  heart  was  full  of  rage,  670 
And  all  on  fire  his  spirit  with  desire 
For  glory.     Then  the  Greeks  had  overthrown 
The  towery  Troy,  if  Phoebus  had  not  moved 
Agenor,  a  young  hero,  nobly  born. 
Blameless,  and  brave,  Antenor's  son,  to  meet        675 
Achilles.     Phoebus  breathed  into  his  heart 
Courage,  as,  standing  by  the  youth,  he  leaned 
Against  a  beechen  tree,  and,  wrapped  from  sight 
In  darkness,  watched  to  rescue  him  from  death. 
Agenor  stood  as  he  beheld  approach  6& 

The  mighty  spoiler,  and,  perplexed  in  mind, 
Sighed  heavily,  and  said  to  his  great  soul  :  — 

"Ah  me  !  if  with  the  routed  troops  I  flee 
From  fierce  Achilles,  he  will  overtake 


256  The  Iliad. 

And  slay  me  ;  I  shall  die  as  cowards  die.  <** 

But  if  I  leave  the  host  to  be  pursued 

By  Peleus'  son,  and  by  another  way 

Flee  from  the  wall  across  the  plain,  until 

I  reach  the  lawns  of  Ida,  and  am  hid 

Among  its  thickets,  then  I  may  at  eve  690 

Bathe  in  the  river  and  return  refreshed 

To  Troy.     But  why  give  way  to  thoughts  like  these  ? 

For  he  may  yet  observe  me  as  I  haste 

From  Ilium  o'er  the  plain,  and  his  swift  feet 

May  follow  ;  there  will  then  be  no  escape  695 

From  death  and  fate,  since  he  in  might  of  arm 

Excels  all  other  men.     If  now  I  here 

Confront  him  before  Troy,  I  cannot  think 

That  he  is  weapon-proof;  one  life  alone 

Dwells  in  him,  though  Saturnian  Jupiter  ?» 

Bestows  on  him  the  glory  of  the  day." 

He  spake,  and  firmly  waited  for  the  son 
Of  Peleus ;  eagerly  his  fearless  heart 
Longed  for  the  combat.     As  a  panther  leaves 
The  covert  of  the  wood  and  comes  to  meet  705 

A  huntsman,  nor  is  scared  nor  put  to  flight 
By  noise  of  baying  hounds,  not  even  though 
A  spear's  thrust  or  a  javelin  flung  from  far 
Have  wounded  him,  yet,  wounded,  he  fights  on, 
Until  he  grapples  with  his  enemy  7" 

<)r  perishes,  —  thus  did  the  noble  son 
Of  the  renowned  Antenor  press  to  try 
His  prowess  with  Achilles,  and  disdained 


Book  XXI.  257 

To  flee  before  him.     Holding  his  round  shield 
Before  his  face,  and  with  his  lifted  spear  7i$ 

Aimed  at  the  Greek,  he  shouted  thus  aloud  :  — 

"  Renowned  Achilles  !  thou  dost  fondly  nope 
That  thou  to-day  wilt  overthrow  the  town 
Of  the  magnanimous  Trojans.     Many  toils, 
Thou  fool !  must  be  endured  ere  that  can  be ;       720 
For  we  are  many  and  are  brave  who  dwell 
Within  it,  and  shall  well  defend  the  town 
For  our  beloved  parents  and  our  wives 
And  little  ones.     Here  shalt  thou  meet  thy  doom, 
Brave  as  thou  art,  and  terrible  in  war."  725 

As  thus  he  spake,  his  powerful  hand  dismissed 
The  keen-edged  spear,  nor  missed  his  aim  ;  it  struck 
The  son  of  Peleus  just  below  the  knee. 
The  tin  of  which  the  greave  was  newly  forged 
Rang  shrilly,  and  sent  back  the  brazen  point ;       730 
It  could  not  pierce  the  armor  which  a  god 
Had  given.     And  then  the  son  of  Peleus  aimed 
His  weapon  at  Agenor.     Phoebus  came 
And  snatched  away  his  triumph,  bearing  off 
The  godlike  youth,  Agenor,  in  a  veil  715 

Of  darkness  from  the  perils  of  the  war. 
Then  he  decoyed  Achilles  from  the  host 
Of  Troy  ;  the  archer  of  the  skies  put  on 
Agenor's  perfect  semblance,  and  appeared 
Before  the  Greek,  and  fled  ;  his  hasty  flight  74° 

Was  followed  close.     Achilles  chased  the  god 
Ever  before  him,  yet  still  near,  across 

Q 


258  The  Iliad. 

The  fruitful  fields,  to  the  deep-eddied  stream 

Of  Xanthus  ;  for  Apollo  artfully 

Made  it  to  seem  that  he  should  soon  o'ertake        745 

His  flying  foe,  and  thus  beguiled  him  on. 

Meantime  the  routed  Trojans  gladly  thronged 

Into  the  city,  filled  the  streets,  and  closed 

The  portals.     None  now  dared  without  the  walls 

To  wait  for  others,  or  remain  to  know  750 

Who  had  escaped  with  life,  and  who  were  slain 

In  battle  ;  eagerly  they  flung  themselves 

Into  the  city,  —  every  one  whose  feet 

And  knees  had  borne  him  from  the  field  alive. 


BOOK     XXII. 

THUS  were  they  driven  within  the  city  walls 
Like   frighted   fawns,    and   there    dispersing 

cooled 

Their  sweaty  limbs,  and  quenched  their  eager  thirst, 
And  rested  on  the  battlements.     The  Greeks, 
Bearing  their  shields  upon  their  shoulders,  came     5 
Close  to  the  ramparts.     Hector's  adverse  fate 
Detained  him  still  without  the  walls  of  Troy, 
And  near  the  Scaean  gates.     Meantime  the  god 
Apollo  to  the  son  of  Peleus  said  :  — 

"  O  son  of  Peleus  !  why  pursue  me  thus  u 

With  thy  swift  feet,  —  a  mortal  man  in  chase 


Book  XXII.  259 

Of  an  immortal?     That  I  am  a  god 

Thou  seest  not  yet,  but  turnest  all  thy  rage 

On  me,  and,  having  put  the  host  of  Troy 

To  rout,  dost  think  of  them  no  more.     They  find  15 

A  refuge  in  their  town,  while  far  astray 

Thou  wanderest  hither.     Thou  hast  not  the  power 

To  slay  me  ;  I  am  not  of  mortal  birth." 

The  swift  Achilles  angrily  replied : 
"  O  archer-god,  thou  most  unjust  of  all  ™ 

The  immortals  !  thou  hast  wronged  me,  luring  me 
Aside  ;  since  many  a  warrior  I  had  forced 
To  bite  the  dust  before  they  reached  the  gates 
Of  Ilium  but  for  thee,  who  from  my  grasp 
Hast  snatched  the  glory  and  hast  rescued  them.  25 
Thou  didst  not  fear  my  vengeance  ;  yet  if  power 
Were  given  me,  I  would  punish  thee  for  this." 

He  spake,  and  with  heroic  purpose  turned 
Toward  Ilium.     As  a  steed  that  wins  the  race 
Flies  at  his  utmost  speed  across  the  plain,  30 

And  whirls  along  the  chariot,  with  such  speed 
The  son  of  Peleus  moved  his  rapid  feet. 

The  aged  monarch  Priam  was  the  first 
To  see  him  as  he  scoured  the  plain,  and  shone 
Like  to  the  star  which  in  the  autumn  time  35 

Rises  and  glows  among  the  lights  of  heaven 
With  eminent  lustre  at  the  dead  of  night, — 
Orion's  Hound  they  call  it,  —  bright  indeed, 
And  yet  of  baleful  omen,  for  it  brings 
Distressing  heat  to  miserable  men.  40 


260  The  Iliad. 

So  shone  the  brass  upon  the  warrior's  breast 

As  on  he  flew.     The  aged  Priam  groaned, 

And  smote  his  head  with  lifted  hands,  and  called 

Aloud,  imploring  his  beloved  son, 

Who  eagerly  before  the  city  gate  45 

Waited  his  foe  Achilles.     Priarn  thus, 

With  outstretched  hands,  besought  him  piteously  :  — 

"  O  wait  not,  Hector,  my  beloved  son, 
To  combat  with  Pelides,  thus  alone 
And  far  from  succor,  lest  thou  meet  thy  death,       s« 
Slain  by  his  hand,  for  he  is  mightier  far 
Than  thou  art.     Would  that  he,  the  cruel  one, 
Were  but  as  much  the  favorite  of  the  gods 
As  he  is  mine  !  then  should  the  birds  of  prey 
And  clogs  devour  his  carcass,  and  the  grief  55 

That  weighs  upon  my  spirit  would  depart. 
I  have  been  robbed  by  him  of  many  sons,  — 
Brave  youths,  whom  he  has  slain  or  sold  as  slaves 
In  distant  isles  ;  and  now  I  see  no  more 
Among  our  host  on  whom  the  gates  are  closed      ^ 
My  Polydorus  and  Lycaon,  whom 
The  peerless  dame  Laothoe  bore  to  me. 
If  yet  they  are  within  the  Grecian  camp, 
I  will  redeem  their  lives  with  brass  and  gold ; 
For  I  have  store,  which  Altes,  the  renowned  65 

And  aged,  gave  his  daughter.     If  they  live 
No  longer,  but  have  passed  to  the  abode 
Of  Hades,  bitter  will  our  sorrow  be,  — 
Mine  and  their  mother's,  —  but  the  popular  grief 


Book  XX fL  261 

Will  sooner  be  consoled  if  thou  fall  not,  70 

Slain  by  Achilles.     Come  within  the  walls, 
My  son,  that  thou  mayst  still  be  the  defence 
Of  Ilium's  sons  and  daughters,  nor  increase 
The  glory  of  Pelides  with  the  loss 
Of  thine  own  life.      Have  pity  upon  me,  75 

Who  only  live  to  suffer,  —  whom  the  son 
Of  Saturn,  on  the  threshold  of  my  age, 
Hath  destined  to  endure  a  thousand  griefs, 
And  then  to  be  destroyed,  —  to  see  my  sons 
Slain  by  the  sword,  my  daughters  dragged  away    so 
Into  captivity,  their  chambers  made 
A  spoil,  our  infants  dashed  against  the  ground 
By  cruel  hands,  the  consorts  of  my  sons 
Borne  off  by  the  ferocious  Greeks  ;  and  last, 
Perchance  the  very  dogs  which  I  have  fed  es 

Here  in  my  palaces  and  at  my  board, 
The  guardians  of  my  doors,  when,  by  the  spear 
Or  sword,  some  enemy  shall  take  my  life, 
And  at  my  threshold  leave  me  stretched  a  corpse, 
Will  rend  me,  and,  with  savage  greediness,  90 

Will  lap  my  blood,  and  in  the  porch  He  down. 
When  one  in  prime  of  youth  lies  slain  in  war, 
Gashed  with  the  spear,  his  wounds  become  him  well, 
And  honor  him  in  all  men's  eyes  ;  but  when 
An  aged  man  is  slain,  and  his  white  head  95 

And  his  white  beard  and  limbs  are  foully  torn 
By  ravening  dogs,  there  is  no  sadder  sight." 
So  the  old  monarch  spake,  and  with  his  hands 


262  The  Iliad. 

Tore  his  gray  hair,  but  moved  not  Hector  thus. 
Then  came,  with  lamentations  and  in  tears,  «•» 

The  warrior's  mother  forward.     One  hand  laid 
Her  bosom  bare ;  she  pressed  the  other  hand 
Beneath  it,  sobbed,  and  spake  these  winged  words  : — 

"  Revere  this  bosom,  Hector,  and  on  me 
Have  pity.     If  when  thou  wert  but  a  babe  ^> 

I  ever  on  this  bosom  stilled  thy  cries, 
Think  of  it  now,  beloved  child  ;  avoid 
That  dreadful  chief;  withdraw  within  the  walls, 
Nor  madly  think  to  encounter  him  alone, 
Son  of  my  love  and  of  rny  womb  !     If  he  «o 

Should  slay  thee,  I  shall  not  lament  thy  death 
Above  thy  bier,  —  I,  nor  thy  noble  wife,  — 
But  far  from  us  the  greedy  dogs  will  throng 
To  mangle  thee  beside  the  Grecian  fleet." 

Thus,  weeping  bitterly,  the  aged  pair  i--, 

Entreated  their  dear  son,  yet  moved  him  not. 
He  stood  and  waited  for  his  mighty  foe 
Achilles,  as  a  serpent  at  his  den, 
Fed  on  the  poisons  of  the  wild,  awaits 
The  traveller,  and,  fierce  with  hate  of  man,  ™ 

And  glaring  fearfully,  lies  coiled  within. 
So  waited  Hector  with  a  resolute  heart, 
And  kept  his  ground,  and,  leaning  his  bright  shield 
Against  a  tower  that  jutted  from  the  walls, 
Conferred  with  his  great  soul  impatiently  :  —        12? 

"  Ah  me  !  if  I  should  pass  within  the  walls., 
Then  will  Polydamas  be  first  to  cast 


Book  XXII.  263 

Reproach  upon  me  ;  for  he  counselled  me 

To  lead  the  Trojans  back  into  the  town 

That  fatal  night  which  saw  Achilles  rise  no 

To  join  the  war  again.     I  yielded  not 

To  his  advice  ;  far  better  if  I  had. 

Now,  since  my  fatal  stubbornness  has  brought 

This  ruin  on  my  people,  I  most  dread 

The  censure  of  the  men  and  long-robed  dames     <ss 

Of  Ilium.     Men  less  brave  than  I  will  say, 

'  Foolhardy  Hector  in  his  pride  has  thrown 

His  people's  lives  away.'     So  will  they  speak, 

And  better  were  it  for  me  to  return, 

Achilles  slain,  or,  slain  myself  by  him,  uo 

To  perish  for  my  country  gloriously. 

But  should  I  lay  aside  this  bossy  shield 

And  this  stout  helm,  and  lean  against  the  wall 

This  spear,  and  go  to  meet  the  gallant  son 

Of  Peleus,  with  a  promise  to  restore  us 

Helen  and  all  the  treasure  brought  with  her 

To  Troy  by  Paris,  in  his  roomy  ships,  — 

All  that  the  war  was  waged  for,  —  that  the  sons 

Of  Atreus  may  convey  it  hence,  besides 

Wealth  drawn  from  all  the  hoards  within  the  town, 

And  to  be  shared  among  the  Greeks  ;  for  I  I-H 

Would  bind  the  Trojans  by  a  solemn  oath 

To  keep  back  nothing,  but  divide  the  whole  - 

Whate'er  of  riches  this  fair  town  contains  — 

Into  two  parts  —     But  why  should  I  waste  thought 

On  plans  like  these  ?     I  must  not  act  the  part       <5« 


264  The  Iliad. 

Of  suppliant  to  a  man  who  may  not  show 
Regard  or  mercy,  but  may  hew  me  down 
Defenceless,  with  my  armor  laid  aside 
As  if  I  were  a  woman.     Not  with  him  t& 

May  I  hold  parley  from  a  tree  or  rock, 
As  youths  and  maidens  with  each  other  hold 
Light  converse.     Better  't  were  to  rush  at  once 
To  combat,  and  the  sooner  learn  to  whom 
Olympian  Jove  decrees  the  victory."  165 

Such  were  his  thoughts.     Achilles  now  drew  near. 
Like  crested  Mars,  the  warrior-god,  he  came. 
On  his  right  shoulder  quivered  fearfully 
The  Pelian  ash,  and  from  his  burnished  mail 
There  streamed  a  light  as  of  a  blazing  fire,  170 

Or  of  the  rising  sun.     When  Hector  saw, 
He  trembled,  nor  could  venture  to  remain, 
But  left  the  gates  and  fled  away  in  fear. 
Pelides,  trusting  to  his  rapid  feet, 
Pursued  him.     As,  among  the  mountain  wilds,      175 
A  falcon,  fleetest  of  the  birds  of  air, 
Darts  toward  a  ti-mid  dove  that  wheels  away 
To  shun  him  by  a  sidelong  flight,  while  he 
Springs  after  her  again  and  yet  again, 
And  screaming  follows,  certain  of  his  prey,  —       i»> 
Thus  onward  flew  Achilles,  while  as  fast 
Fled  Hector  in  dismay,  with  hurrying  feet, 
Beside  the  wall.     They  passed  the  Mount  of  View, 
And  the  wind-beaten  fig-tree,  and  they  ran 
Along  the  public  way  by  which  the  wall  ^ 


Book  XXII.  265 

Was  skirted,  till  they  came  where  from  the  ground 
The  two  fair  springs  of  eddying  Xanthus  rise,  — 
One  pouring  a  warm  stream  from  which  ascends 
And  spreads  a  vapor  like  a  smoke  from  fire  ; 
The  other,  even  in  summer,  sending  forth  190 

A  current  cold  as  hail,  or  snow,  or  ice. 
And  there  were  broad  stone  basins,  fairly  wrought, 
At  which,  in  time  of  peace,  before  the  Greeks 
Had  landed  on  the  plain,  the  Trojan  dames 
And  their  fair  daughters  washed  their  sumptuous 
robes.  195 

Past  these  they  swept ;  one  fled,  and  one  pursued,  — 
A  brave  man  fled,  a  braver  followed  close, 
And  swiftly  both.     Not  for  a  common  prize, 
A  victim  from  the  herd,  a  bullock's  hide, 
Such  as  reward  the  fleet  of  foot,  they  ran,  — 
The  race  was  for  the  knightly  Hector's  life. 
As  firm-paced  coursers,  that  are  wont  to  win, 
Fly  toward  the  goal,  when  some  magnificent  prize, 
A  tripod  or  a  damsel,  is  proposed 
In  honor  of  some  hero's  obsequies,  205 

So  these  flew  thrice  on  rapid  feet  around 
The  city  of  Priam.     All  the  gods  of  heaven 
Looked  on,  and  thus  the  Almighty  Father  spake  :  — 

"  Alas  !   I  see  a  hero  dear  to  me 
Pursued  around  the  wall.     My  heart  is  grieved     *™ 
For  Hector,  who  has  brought  so  many  thighs 
Of  bullocks  to  my  altar  on  the  side 
Of  Ida  ploughed  with  glens,  or  on  the  heights 

VOL.    II.  12 


266  The  Iliaa. 

Of  Ilium.     The  renowned  Achilles  now 

Is  chasing  him  with  rapid  feet  around  ^5 

The  city  of  Priam.     Now  bethink  yourselves, 

And  answer.     Shall  we  rescue  him  from  death  ? 

Or  shall  we  doom  him,  valiant  as  he  is, 

To  perish  by  the  hand  of  Peleus'  son  ?  " 

Minerva,  blue-eyed  goddess,  answered  thus  :     ™ 
"  O  Father,  who  dost  hurl  the  thunderbolt, 
And  hide  the  sky  in  clouds,  what  hast  thou  said  ? 
Wouldst  thou  reprieve  from  death  a  mortal  man, 
Whose  doom  is  fixed  ?     Then  do  it ;  but  know  this, 
That  all  the  other  gods  will  not  approve."  ^s 

Then  spake  again  the  Cloud-compeller  Jove  : 
"Tritonia,  my  dear  child,  be  calm.     I  spake 
Of  no  design.     I  would  be  kind  to  thee. 
Do  as  thou  wilt,  and  be  there  no  delay." 

He  spake ;  and  Pallas  from  the  Olympian  peaks, 
Encouraged  by  his  words  in  what  her  thought       w 
Had  planned  already,  downward  shot  to  earth. 
Still,  with  quick  steps,  the  fleet  Achilles  pressed 
On  Hector's  flight.     As  when  a  hound  has  roused 
A  fawn  from  its  retreat  among  the  hills,  235 

And  chases  it  through  glen  and  forest  ground. 
And  to  close  thickets,  where  it  skulks  in  fear 
Until  he  overtake  it,  Hector  thus 
Sought  vainly  to  elude  the  fleet  pursuit 
Of  Peleus'  son.     As  often  as  he  thought,  =40 

By  springing  toward  the  gates  of  Troy,  to  gain 
Aid  from  the  weapons  of  his  friends  who  stood 


Book  XXII.  267 

On  the  tall  towers,  so  often  was  the  Greek 

Before  him,  forcing  him  to  turn  away 

From  Ilium  toward  the  plain.     Achilles  thus         us 

Kept  nearest  to  the  city.     As  in  dreams 

The  fleet  pursuer  cannot  overtake, 

Nor  the  pursued  escape,  so  was  it  now ; 

One  followed  but  in  vain,  the  other  fled 

As  fruitlessly.     But  how  could  Hector  thus  25° 

Have  put  aside  the  imminent  doom  of  death, 

Had  not  Apollo  met  him  once  again, 

For  the  last  time,  and  given  him  strength  and  speed  ? 

The  great  Achilles  nodded  to  his  host 
A  sign  that  no  man  should  presume  to  strike        255 
At  Hector  with  his  weapon,  lest  perchance 
Another,  wounding  him,  should  bear  away 
The  glory,  and  Pelides  only  wear 
The  second  honors.     When  the  twain  had  come 
For  the  fourth  time  beside  Scamander's  springs,  ^0 
The  All-Father  raised  the  golden  balance  high, 
And,  placing  in  the  scales  two  lots  which  bring 
Death's  long  dark  sleep,  —  one  lot  for  Peleus'  son, 
And  one  for  knightly  Hector,  —  by  the  midst 
He  poised  the  balance.     Hector's  fate  sank  down  265 
To  Hades,  and  Apollo  left  the  field. 

The  blue-eyed  goddess  Pallas  then  approached 
The  son  of  Peleus  with  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  Renowned  Achilles,  dear  to  Jupiter ! 
Now  may  we,  as  I  hope,  at  last  return  T> 

To  the  Achaian  army  and  the  fleet 


268  The  Iliad. 

With  glory,  Hector  slain,  the  terrible 

In  war.     Escape  he  cannot,  even  though 

The  archer-god  Apollo  fling  himself 

With  passionate  entreaty  at  the  feet  vs 

Of  Jove  the  ^Egis-bearer.     Stay  thou  here 

And  breathe  a  moment,  while  I  go  to  him 

And  lure  him  hither  to  encounter  thee." 

She  spake,  and  he  obeyed,  and  gladly  stood 
Propped  on  the  ashen  stem  of  his  keen  spear ;      *«° 
While,  passing  on,  Minerva  overtook 
The  noble  Hector.     In  the  outward  form, 
And  with  the  strong  voice  of  Deiphobus, 
She  stood  by  him  and  spake  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  Hard  pressed  I  find  thee,  brother,  by  the  swift  =s3 
Achilles,  who,  with  feet  that  never  rest, 
Pursues  thee  round  the  walls  of  Priam's  town. 
But  let  us  make  a  stand  and  beat  him  back." 

And  then  the  crested  Hector  spake  in  turn  : 
"  Deiphobus,  thou  ever  hast  been  dear  *& 

To  me  beyond  my  other  brethren,  sons 
Of  Hecuba  and  Priam.     Now  still  more 
I  honor  thee,  since  thou  hast  seen  my  plight, 
And  for  my  sake  hast  ventured  forth  without 
The  gates,  while  all  the  rest  remain  within." 

And  then  the  blue-eyed  Pallas  spake  again  : 
"  Brother !  'tis  true,  my  father,  and  the  queen, 
My  mother,  and  my  comrades,  clasped  my  knees 
In  turn,  and  earnestly  entreated  me 
That  I  would  not  go  forth,  such  fear  had  fallen    ^ 


Book  XXII.  269 

On  all  of  them  ;  but  I  was  grieved  for  thee. 

Now  let  us  combat  valiantly,  nor  spare 

The  weapons  that  we  bear,  and  we  shall  learn 

Whether  Achilles,  having  slain  us  both, 

Will  carry  to  the  fleet  our  bloody  spoil,  305 

Or  die  himself,  the  victim  of  thy  spear." 

The  treacherous  goddess  spake,  and  led  the  way ; 
And  when  the  advancing  chiefs  stood  face  to  face, 
The  crested  hero,  Hector,  thus  began  :  — 

"  No  longer  I  avoid  thee  as  of  late,  310 

O  son  of  Peleus  !     Thrice  around  the  walls 
Of  Priam's  mighty  city  have  I  fled, 
Nor  dared  to  wait  thy  coming.     Now  my  heart 
Bids  me  encounter  thee ;  my  time  is  come 
To  slay  or  to  be  slain.     Now  let  us  call  3-5 

The  gods  to  witness,  who  attest  and  guard 
The  covenants  of  men.     Should  Jove  bestow 
On  me  the  victory,  and  I  take  thy  life, 
Thou  shalt  meet  no  dishonor  at  my  hands  ; 
But,  stripping  off  the  armor,  I  will  send  y» 

The  Greeks  thy  body.     Do  the  like  by  me." 

The  swift  Achilles  answered  with  a  frown  : 
"  Accursed  Hector,  never  talk  to  me 
Of  covenants.     Men  and  lions  plight  no  faith, 
Nor  wolves  agree  with  lambs,  but  each  must  plan  335 
Evil  against  the  other      So  between 
Thyself  and  me  no  compact  can  exist, 
Or  understood  intent.     First,  one  of  us 
Must  fall  and  yield  his  life-blood  to  the  god 


270  TJic  Iliad. 

Of  battles.      Summon  all  thy  valor  now.  130 

A  skilful  spearman  thou  hast  need  to  be, 

And  a  bold  warrior.     There  is  no  escape, 

For  now  doth  Pallas  doom  thee  to  be  slain 

By  my  good  spear.     Thou  shall  repay  to  me 

The  evil  thou  hast  done  my  countrymen,—  YK 

My  friends  whom  thou  hast  slaughtered  in  thy  rage." 

He  spake,  and,  brandishing  his  massive  spear, 
Hurled  it  at  Hector,  who  beheld  its  aim 
From  where  he  stood.     He  stooped,  and  over  him 
The  brazen  weapon  passed,  and  plunged  to  earth.  340 
Unseen  by  royal  Hector,  Pallas  went 
And  plucked  it  from  the  ground,  and  brought  it  back 
And  gave  it  to  the  hands  of  Peleus'  son, 
While  Hector  said  to  his  illustrious  foe  :  — 

"  Godlike  Achilles,  thou  hast  missed  thy  mark  ;  345 
Nor  hast  thou  learned  my  doom  from  Jupiter, 
As  thou  pretendest.     Thou  art  glib  of  tongue, 
And  cunningly  thou  orderest  thy  speech, 
In  hope  that  I  who  hear  thee  may  forget 
My  might  and  valor.     Think  not  I  shall  flee, 
That  thou  mayst  pierce  my  back  ;  for  thou  shalt  send 
Thy  spear,  if  God  permit  thee,  through  my  breast 
As  I  rush  on  thee.     Now  avoid  in  turn 
My  brazen  weapon.     Would  that  it  might  pass 
Clean  through  thee,  all  its  length  !     The  tasks  of  war 
For  us  of  Troy  were  lighter  for  thy  death, 
Thou  pest  and  deadly  foe  of  all  our  race  ! " 

He  spake,  and  brandishing  his  massive  spear, 


Book  XXII.  271 

Hurled  it,  nor  missed,  but  in  the  centre  smote 

The  buckler  of  Pelides.     Far  away  360 

It  bounded  from  the  brass,  and  he  was  vexed 

To  see  that  the  swift  weapon  from  his  hand 

Had  flown  in  vain.      He  stood  perplexed  and  sad  ; 

No  second  spear  had  he.     He  called  aloud 

On  the  white-bucklered  chief,  Deiphobus,  3«s 

To  bring  another  ;  but  that  chief  was  far, 

And  Hector  saw  that  it  was  so,  and  said  :  — 

"  Ah  me  !   the  gods  have  summoned  me  to  die. 
I  thought  my  warrior-friend,  Deiphobus, 
Was  by  my  side  ;  but  he  is  still  in  Troy,  y>- 

And  Pallas  has  deceived  me.     Now  my  death 
Cannot  be  far,  —  is  near  ;  there  is  no  hope 
Of  my  escape,  for  so  it  pleases  Jove 
And  Jove's  great  archer-son,  who  have  till  now 
Delivered  me.     My  hour  at  last  is  come  ;  37J 

Yet  not  ingloriously  or  passively 
I  die,  but  first  will  do  some  valiant  deed, 
Of  which  mankind  shall  hear  in  after  time.'' 

He  spake,  and  drew  the  keen-edged  sword  that 

hung, 

Massive  and  finely  tempered,  at  his  side,  •&> 

And  sprang  —  as  when  an  eagle  high  in  heaven, 
Through  the  thick  cloud,   darts   downward  to  the 

plain 

To  clutch  some  tender  lamb  or  timid  hare, 
So  Hector,  brandishing  that  keen-edged  sword, 
Sprang  forward,  while  Achilles  opposite  385 


272  The  Iliad. 

Leaped  toward  him,  all  on  fire  with  savage  hate, 
And  holding  his  bright  buckler,  nobly  wrought, 
Before  him.     On  his  shining  helmet  waved 
The  fourfold  crest :  there  tossed  the  golden  tufts 
With  which  the  hand  of  Vulcan  lavishly 
Had  decked  it.     As  in  the  still  hours  of  night 
Hesper  goes  forth  among  the  host  of  stars, 
The  fairest  light  of  heaven,  so  brightly  shone, 
Brandished  in  the  right  hand  of  Peleus'  son, 
The  spear's  keen  blade,  as,  confident  to  slay 
The  noble  Hector,  o'er  his  glorious  form 
His  quick  eye  ran,  exploring  where  to  plant 
The  surest  wound.     The  glittering  mail  of  brass 
Won  from  the  slain  Patroclus  guarded  well 
Each  part,  save  only  where  the  collar-bones 
Divide  the  shoulder  from  the  neck,  and  there 
Appeared  the  throat,  the  spot  where  life  is  most 
In  peril.     Through  that  part  the  noble  son 
Of  Peleus  drave  his  spear  ;  it  went  quite  through 
The  tender  neck,  and  yet  the  brazen  blade 
Cleft  not  the  windpipe,  and  the  power  to  speak 
Remained.     The  Trojan  fell  amid  the  dust, 
And  thus  Achilles  boasted  o'er  his  fall :  — 

"  Hector,  when  from  the  slain  Patroclus  thou 
Didst  strip  his  armor,  little  didst  thou  think 
Of  danger.  Thou  hadst  then  no  fear  of  me, 
Who  was  not  near  thee  to  avenge  his  death. 
Fool !  there  was  left  within  the  roomy  ships 
A  mightier  one  than  he,  who  should  come  forth, 


Book  XXII.  273 

The  avenger  of  his  blood,  to  take  thy  life.  415 

Foul  dogs  and  birds  of  prey  shall  tear  thy  flesh  ; 
The  Greeks  shall  honov  him  with  funeral  rites." 

And  then  the  crested  Hector  faintly  said  : 
"  I  pray  thee  by  thy  life,  and  by  thy  knees, 
And  by  thy  parents,  suffer  not  the  dogs  *«• 

To  tear  me  at  the  galleys  of  the  Greeks. 
Accept  abundant  store  of  brass  and  gold, 
Which  gladly  will  my  father  and  the  queen, 
My  mother,  give  in  ransom.     Send  to  them 
My  body,  that  the  warriors  and  the  dames  m 

Of  Troy  may  light  for  me  the  funeral  pile." 

The  swift  Achilles  answered  with  a  frown  : 
"  Nay,  by  my  knees  entreat  me  not,  thou  cur, 
Nor  by  my  parents.     I  could  even  wish 
My  fury  prompted  me  to  cut  thy  flesh  430 

In  fragments,  and  devour  it,  such  the  wrong 
That  I  have  had  from  thee.     There  will  be  none 
To  drive  away  the  dogs  about  thy  head, 
Not  though  thy  Trojan  friends  should  bring  to  me 
Tenfold  and  twenty-fold  the  offered  gifts,  433 

And  promise  others,  —  not  though  Priam,  sprung 
From  Dardanus,  should  send  thy  weight  in  gold. 
Thy  mother  shall  not  lay  thee  on  thy  bier, 
To  sorrow  over  thee  whom  she  brought  forth ; 
But  dogs  and  birds  of  prey  shall  mangle  thee."     w 

And  then  the  crested  Hector,  dying,  said  : 
w  I  know  thee,  and  too  clearly  I  foresaw 
I  should  not  move  thee,  for  thou  /last  a  heart 
12*  R 


2/4  77^'  Iliad. 

Of  iron.     Yet  reflect  that  for  my  sake 
The  anger  of  the  gods  may  fall  on  thee,  475 

When  Paris  and  Apollo  strike  thee  down, 
Strong  as  thou  art,  before  the  Seaman  gates." 

Thus   Hector   spake,   and   straightway  o'er   him 

closed 

The  night  of  death  ;  the  soul  forsook  his  limbs, 
And  flew  to  Hades,  grieving  for  its  fate,  —  45* 

So  soon  divorced  from  youth  and  youthful  might. 
Then  said  the  great  Achilles  to  the  dead  :  — 

"  Die  thou  ;  and  I,  whenever  it  shall  please 
Jove  and  the  other  gods,  will  meet  my  fate.'' 

He  spake,  and,  plucking  forth  his  brazen  lance,  455 
He  laid  it  by,  and  from  the  body  stripped 
The  bloody  mail.     The  thronging  Greeks  beheld 
With  wonder  Hector's  tall  and  stately  form, 
And  no  one  came  who  did  not  add  a  wound  ; 
And,  looking  to  each  other,  thus  they  said  : —      f* 

"  How  much  more  tamely  Hector  now  endures 
Our  touch  than  when  he  set  the  fleet  on  fire  ! " 

Such  were  the  words  of  those  who  smote  the  dead  ; 
But  now,  when  swift  Achilles  from  the  corpse 
Had  stripped  the  armor,  he  stood  forth  among     <65 
The  Achaian  host,  and  spake  these  winged  words  :  — 

"  Leaders  and  princes  of  the  Grecian  host ! 
Since  we,  my  friends,  by  favor  of  the  gods, 
Have  overcome  the  chief  who  wrought  more  harm 
To  us  than  all  the  rest,  let  us  assault  4* 

The  town,  and  learn  what  they  ol  Troy  intend,  — 


Book  XXII.  275 

Whether  their  troops  will  leave  the  citadel 

Since  he  is  slain,  or  hold  it  with  strong  hand, 

Though  Hector  is  no  more.     But  why  give  thought 

To  plans  like  these  while  yet  Patroclus  lies  475 

A  corse  unwept,  unburied,  at  the  fleet  ? 

I  never  will  forget  him  while  I  live 

And  while  these  limbs  have  motion.     Though  below 

In  Hades  they  forget  the  dead,  yet  I 

Will  there  remember  my  beloved  friend.  4so 

Now  then,  ye  youths  of  Greece,  move  on  and  chant 

A  paean,  while,  returning  to  the  fleet, 

We  bring  great  glory  with  us  ;  we  have  slain 

The  noble  Hector,  whom,  throughout  their  town, 

The  Trojans  ever  worshipped  like  a  god."  485 

He  spake,  and,  planning  in  his  mind  to  treat 
The  noble  Hector  shamefully,  he  bored 
The  sinews  of  his  feet  between  the  heel 
And  ankle  ;  drawing  through  them  leathern  thongs 
He  bound  them  to  the  car,  but  left  the  head         490 
To  trail  in  dust.     And  then  he  climbed  the  car, 
Took  in  the  shining  mail,  and  lashed  to  speed 
The  coursers.     Not  unwillingly  they  flew. 
Around  the  dead,  as  he  was  dragged  along, 
The  dust  arose  ;  his  dark  locks  swept  the  ground.  «>j 
That  head,  of  late  so  noble  in  men's  eyes, 
Lay  deep  amid  the  dust,  for  Jove  that  day 
Suffered  the  foes  of  Hector  to  insult 
His  corse  in  his  own  land.     His  mother  saw, 
And  tore  her  hair,  and  flung  her  lustrous  veil        s« 


276  The  Iliad. 

Away,  and  uttered  piercing  shrieks.     No  less 

His  father,  who  so  loved  him,  piteously 

Bewailed  him  •  and  in  all  the  streets  of  Troy 

The  people  wept  aloud,  with  such  lament 

As  if  the  towery  Ilium  were  in  flames  505 

Even  to  its  loftiest  roofs.     They  scarce  could  keep 

The  aged  king  within,  who,  wild  with  grief, 

Struggled  to  rush  through  the  Darclanian  gates, 

And,  rolling  in  the  dust,  entreated  all 

Who  stood  around  him,  calling  them  by  name: —  $™ 

"  Refrain,  my  friends,  though  kind  be  your  intent. 
Let  me  go  forth  alone,  and  at  the  fleet 
Of  Greece  will  I  entreat  this  man  of  blood 
And  violence.     He  may  perchance  be  moved 
With  reverence  for  my  age,  and  pity  me  s's 

In  my  gray  hairs  ;  for  such  a  one  as  I 
Is  Peleus,  his  own  father,  by  whose  care 
This  Greek  was  reared  to  be  a  scourge  to  Troy, 
And,  more  than  all,  a  cause  of  grief  to  me, 
So  many  sons  of  mine  in  life's  fresh  prime 
Have  fallen  by  his  hand.     I  mourn  for  them, 
But  not  with  such  keen  anguish  as  I  mourn 
For  Hector.     Sorrow  for  his  death  will  bring 
My  soul  to  Hades.     Would  that  he  had  died 
Here  in  my  arms!  this  solace  had  been  ours,— 
His  most  unhappy  mother  and  myself 
Had  stooped  to  shed  these  tears  upon  his  bier." 

He  spake,  and  wept,  and  all  the  citizens 
Wept  with  him.     Hecuba  among  the  dames 


Fnwk   XXII.  277 

Took  up  the  lamentation,  and  began  :  —  33° 

"  Why  do  I  live,  my  son,  when  thou  art  dead, 
And  I  so  wretched  ?  —  thou  who  wert  my  boast 
Ever,  by  night  and-day,  where'er  I  went, 
And  whom  the  Trojan  men  and  matrons  called 
Their  bulwark,  honoring  thee  as  if  thou  wert          $-.5 
A  god.     They  glory  in  thy  might  no  more, 
Since  Fate  and  Death  have  overtaken  thee." 

Weeping  she  spake.     Meantime  Andromache 
Had  heard  no  tidings  of  her  husband  yet. 
No  messenger  had  even  come  to  say  540 

That  he  was  still  without  the  gates.     She  sat 
In  a  recess  of  those  magnificent  halls, 
And  wove  a  twofold  web  of  brilliant  hues, 
On  which  were  scattered  flowers  of  rare  device  ; 
And  she  had  given  her  bright-haired  maidens  charge 
To  place  an  ample  caldron  on  the  fire,  546 

That  Hector,  coming  from  the  battle-field, 
Might  find  the  warm  bath  ready.     Thoughtless  one  ! 
She  knew  not  that  the  blue-eyed  archer-queen, 
Far  from  the  bath  prepared  for  him,  had  slain       550 
Her  husband  by  the  hand  of  Peleus'  son. 
She  heard  the  shrieks,  the  wail  upon  the  tower, 
Trembled  in  every  limb,  and  quickly  dropped 
The  shuttle,  saying  to  her  bright-haired  maids  :  — 

"  Come  with  me,  two  of  you,  that  I  may  learn  555 
What  now  has  happened.  'T  is  my  mother's  voice 
That  I  have  heard.  My  heart  leaps  to  my  mouth ; 
My  limbs  fail  under  me.  Some  deadly  harm 


2/8  The  Iliad. 

Hangs  over  Priam's  sons ;  far  be  the  hour 
When  I  shall  hear  of  it.     And  yet  I  fear 
Lest  that  Achilles,  having  got  between 
The  daring  Hector  and  the  city  gates, 
May  drive  him  to  the  plain  alone,  and  quell 
The  desperate  valor  that  was  ever  his  ; 
For  never  would  he  keep  the  ranks,  but  ranged    5*5 
Beyond  them,  and  gave  way  to  no  man's  might." 
She  spake,  and  from  the  royal  mansion  rushed 
Distractedly,  and  with  a  beating  heart. 
Her  maids  went  with  her.     When  she  reached  the 

tower 

And  throng  of  men,  and,  standing  on  the  wall,      570 
Looked  forth,  she  saw  her  husband  dragged  away 
Before  the  city.     Toward  the  Grecian  fleet 
The  swift  steeds  drew  him.     Sudden  darkness  came 
Over  her  eyes,  and  in  a  breathless  swoon 
She  sank  away  and  fell.     The  ornaments  575 

Dropped  from  her  brow,  —  the  wreath,  the  woven 

band, 

The  net,  the  veil  which  golden  Venus  gave 
That  day  when  crested  Hector  wedded  her, 
Dowered  with  large  gifts,  and  led  her  from  her  home, 
Eetion's  palace.     Round  her  in  a  throng  580 

Her  sisters  of  the  house  of  Priam  pressed, 
And  gently  raised  her  in  that  deathlike  swoon. 
But  when  she  breathed  again,  and  to  its  seat 
The  conscious  mind  returned,  as  in  their  arms 
She  lay,  with  sobs  and  broken  speech  she  said  :  —  535 


nook  xxir.  279 

"  Hector,  —  O    wretched   me  !  —  we    both    were 

born 

To  sorrow  ;  thou  at  Troy,  in  Priam's  house, 
And  I  at  Thebe  in  Ketion's  halls, 
By  woody  Placos.      From  a  little  child 
He  reared  me  there,  —  unhappy  he,  and  I  390 

Unhappy!     O  that  I  had  ne'er  been  born! 
Thou  goest  down  to  Hades  and  the  depths 
Of  earth,  and  leavest  me  in  thine  abode, 
Widowed,  and  never  to  be  comforted. 
Thy  son,  a  speechless  babe,  to  whom  we  two        595 
Gave  being,  —  hapless  parents!  —  cannot  have 
Thy  loving  guardianship  now  thou  art  dead, 
Nor  be  a  joy  to  thee.     Though  he  survive 
The  cruel  warfare  which  the  sons  of  Greece 
Are  waging,  hard  and  evil  yet  will  be  <>*> 

His  lot  hereafter ;  others  will  remove 
His  landmarks  and  will  make  his  fields  their  own. 
The  day  in  which  a  boy  is  fatherless 
Makes  him  companionless  ;  with  downcast  eyes 
He  wanders,  and  his  cheeks  are  stained  with  tears. 
Unfed  he  goes  where  sit  his  father's  friends,  <*>& 

And  plucks  one  by  the  cloak,  and  by  the  robe 
Another.     One  who  pities  him  shall  give 
A  scanty  draught,  which  only  wets  his  lips, 
But  not  his  palate  ;  while  another  boy,  *«> 

Whose  parents  both  are  living,  thrusts  him  thence 
With  blows  and  vulgar  clamor  :  '  Get  thce  gone  1 
Thy  father  is  not  with  us  at  the  feast.' 


282  The  Iliad. 

That,  dragging  Hector  hither,  I  will  give 
His  corse  to  dogs,  and  they  shall  rend  his  flesh  ;    *s 
And  at  thy  funeral  pile  there  shall  be  slain 
Twelve  noble  Trojan  youths,  to  avenge  thy  death." 

So  spake  he,  meditating  outrages 
To  noble  Hector's  corse,  which  he  had  flung 
Beside  the  bier  of  Menoetiades,  30 

Amid  the  dust.     The  Myrmidons  unbraced 
Their  shining  brazen  armor,  and  unyoked 
Their  neighing  steeds,  and  sat  in  thick  array 
Beside  the  ship  of  swift  /Eacides, 
While  he  set  forth  a  sumptuous  funeral  feast.          35 
Many  a  white  ox,  that  day,  beneath  the  axe 
Fell  to  the  earth,  and  many  bleating  goats 
And  sheep  were  slain,  and  many  fattened  swine, 
White-toothed,  were  stretched  to  roast  before  the 

flame 

Of  Vulcan,  and  around  the  corse  the  earth  40 

Floated  with  blood.     Meantime  the  Grecian  chiefs 
To  noble  Agamemnon's  royal  tent 
Led  the  swift  son  of  Peleus,  though  he  went 
Unwillingly,  such  anger  for  the  death 
Of  his  companion  burned  within  his  heart.  45 

As  soon  as  they  had  reached  his  tent,  the  king 
Bade  the  clear-throated  heralds  o'er  the  fire 
Place  a  huge  tripod,  that  Pelides  there 
Might  wash  away  the  bloody  stains  he  bore. 
Yet  would  he  not,  and  with  an  oath  replied  : —     s« 

*'  No  !  by  the  greatest  and  the  best  of  gods, 


Book  XXIII.  283 

By  Jupiter,  I  may  not  plunge  my  head 

Into  the  bath  before  I  lay  my  friend 

Patroclus  on  the  fire,  and  heap  his  mound, 

And  till  my  hair  is  shorn  ;  for  never  more  55 

In  life  will  be  so  great  a  sorrow  mine. 

But  now  attend  we  to  this  mournful  feast. 

And  with  the  morn,  O  king  of  men,  command 

That  wood  be  brought,  and  all  things  duly  done 

Which  may  beseem  a  warrior  who  goes  down         &> 

Into  the  lower  darkness.     Let  the  flamec 

Seize  fiercely  and  consume  him  from  our  sight, 

And  leave  the  people  to  the  tasks  of  war." 

He  spake ;  they  hearkened  and  obeyed,  and  all 
Prepared  with  diligent  hands  the  meal,  and  each  «s 
Sat  down  and  took  his  portion  of  the  feast. 
And  when  their  thirst  and  hunger  were  allayed, 
Most  to  their  tents  betook  them  and  to  rest. 
But  Peleus'  son,  lamenting  bitterly, 
Lay  down  among  his  Myrmidons,  beside  70 

The  murmuring  ocean,  in  the  open  space, 
Where  plashed  the  billows  on   the  beach.      And 

there, 

When  slumber,  bringing  respite  from  his  cares, 
Came  softly  and  enfolded  him,  —  for  much 
His  shapely  limbs  were  wearied  with  the  chase      75 
Of  Hector  round  the  windy  Ilium's  walls,  — 
The  soul  of  his  poor  friend  Patroclus  came, 
Like  him  in  all  things,  —  stature,  beautiful  eyes, 
And  voice,  and  garments  which  he  wore  in  life. 


284  The 

Beside  his  head  the  vision  stood  and  spake  :  — 

"  Achilles,  sleepest  thou,  forgetting  me  ? 
Never  of  me  unmindful  in  my  life, 
Thou  dost  neglect  me  dead.     O,  bury  me 
Quickly,  and  give  ine  entrance  through  the  gates 
Of  Hades  ;  for  the  souls,  the  forms  of  those 
Who  live  no  more,  repulse  me,  suffering  not 
That  I  should  join  their  company  beyond 
The  river,  and  I  now  must  wander  round 
The  spacious  portals  of  the  House  of  Death. 
Give  me  thy  hand,  I  pray  ;  for  never  more  <, 

Shall  I  return  to  earth  when  once  the  fire 
Shall  have  consumed  me.     Never  shall  we  take 
Counsel  together,  living,  as  we  sit 
Apart  from  our  companions  ;  the  hard  fate 
Appointed  me  at  birth  hath  drawn  me  down.          $ 
Thou  too,  O  godlike  man,  wilt  fall  beneath 
The  ramparts  of  the  noble  sons  of  Troy. 
Yet  this  I  ask,  and  if  thou  wilt  obey, 
This  I  command  thee,  —  not  to  let  my  bones 
Be  laid  apart  from  thine.     As  we  were  reared       i° 
Under  thy  roof  together,  from  the  time 
When  first  Mencetius  brought  thee,  yet  a  boy, 
From  Opus,  where  I  caused  a  sorrowful  death ;  — 
For  by  my  hand,  when  wrangling  at  the  dice, 
Another  boy,  son  of  Amphidamas,  -o 

Was  slain  without  design,  —  and  Peleus  made 
His  halls  my  home,  and  reared  me  tenderly, 
And  made  me  thy' companion  ;  —  so  at  last 


Book  XXIII.  285 

May  one  receptacle,  the  golden  vase 

Given  by  thy  gracious  mother,  hold  our  bones."    no 

The  swift  Achilles  answered  :  "  O  most  loved 
And  honored,  wherefore  art  thou  come,  and  why 
Dost  thou  command  me  thus  ?     I  shall  fulfil 
Obediently  thy  wish  ;  yet  draw  thou  near, 
And  let  us  give  at  least  a  brief  embrace,  "5 

And  so  indulge  our  grief."     He  said,  and  stretched 
His  longing  arms  to  clasp  the  shade.     In  vain  ; 
Away  like  smoke  it  went,  with  gibbering  cry, 
Down  to  the  earth.     Achilles  sprang  upright, 
Astonished,  clapped  his  hands,  and  sadly  said  :  —  1=0 
.    "  Surely  there  dwell  within  the  realm  below 
Both  soul  and  form,  though  bodiless.     All  night 
Hath  stood  the  spirit  of  my  hapless  friend 
Patroclus  near  me,  sad  and  sorrowful, 
And  asking  many  duties  at  my  hands,  1=5 

A  marvellous  semblance  of  the  living  man." 

He  spake,  and  moved  the  hearts  of  all  to  grief 
And  lamentation.      Rosy-fingered  Morn 
Dawned  on  them  as  around  the  hapless  dead 
They  stood  and  wept.     Then  Agamemnon  sent    w 
In  haste  from  all  the  tents  the  mules  and  men 
To  gather  wood,  and  summoned  to  the  task 
Meriones,  himself  a  gallant  chief, 
Attendant  on  the  brave  Idomeneus. 
These  went  with  woodmen's  axes  and  with  ropes  135 
Well  twisted,  and  before  them  went  the  mules. 
O'er  steep,  o'er  glen,  by  straight,  by  winding  ways, 


284  Tlie  Iliad. 

Beside  his  head  the  vision  stood  and  spake  : —      > 

"  Achilles,  sleepest  thou,  forgetting  me  ? 
Never  of  me  unmindful  in  my  life, 
Thou  dost  neglect  me  dead.     O,  bury  me 
Quickly,  and  give  me  entrance  through  the  gates 
Of  Hades  ;  for  the  souls,  the  forms  of  those  « 

Who  live  no  more,  repulse  me,  suffering  not 
That  I  should  join  their  company  beyond 
The  river,  and  I  now  must  wander  round 
The  spacious  portals  of  the  House  of  Death. 
Give  me  thy  hand,  I  pray  ;  for  never  more 
Shall  I  return  to  earth  when  once  the  fire 
Shall  have  consumed  me.      Never  shall  we  take 
Counsel  together,  living,  as  we  sit 
Apart  from  our  companions  ;  the  hard  fate 
Appointed  me  at  birth  hath  drawn  me  down.          s 
Thou  too,  O  godlike  man,  wilt  fall  beneath 
The  ramparts  of  the  noble  sons  of  Troy. 
Yet  this  I  ask,  and  if  thou  wilt  obey, 
This  I  command  thee,  —  not  to  let  my  bones 
Be  laid  apart  from  thine.     As  we  were  reared       >o 
Under  thy  roof  together,  from  the  time 
When  first  Menoetius  brought  thee,  yet  a  boy, 
From  Opus,  where  I  caused  a  sorrowful  death ;  — 
For  by  my  hand,  when  wrangling  at  the  dice, 
Another  boy,  son  of  Amphidamas,  >o 

Was  slain  without  design,  —  and  Peleus  made 
His  halls  my  home,  and  reared  me  tenderly, 
And  made  me  thy' companion  ;  —  so  at  last 


Book  XXIII,  285 

May  one  receptade,  the  golden  vase 

Given  by  thy  gracious  mother,  hold  our  bones."    no 

The  swift  Achilles  answered  :  "O  most  loved 
And  honored,  wherefore  art  thou  come,  and  why 
Dost  thou  command  me  thus?     I  shall  fulfil 
Obediently  thy  wish  ;  yet  draw  thou  near, 
And  let  us  give  at  least  a  brief  embrace,  "5 

And  so  indulge  our  grief."     He  said,  and  stretched 
His  longing  arms  to  clasp  the  shade.     In  vain  ; 
Away  like  smoke  it  went,  with  gibbering  cry, 
Down  to  the  earth.     Achilles  sprang  upright, 
Astonished,  clapped  his  hands,  and  sadly  said  :  —  >*> 
.   "  Surely  there  dwell  within  the  realm  below 
Both  soul  and  form,  though  bodiless.     All  night 
Hath  stood  the  spirit  of  my  hapless  friend 
Patroclus  near  me,  sad  and  sorrowful, 
And  asking  many  duties  at  my  hands,  1=5 

A  marvellous  semblance  of  the  living  man." 

He  spake,  and  moved  the  hearts  of  all  to  grief 
And  lamentation.      Rosy-fingered  Morn 
Dawned  on  them  as  around  the  hapless  dead 
They  stood  and  wept.     Then  Agamemnon  sent    130 
In  haste  from  all  the  tents  the  mules  and  men 
To  gather  wood,  and  summoned  to  the  task 
Meriones,  himself  a  gallant  chief, 
Attendant  on  the  brave  Idomeneus. 
These  went  with  woodmen's  axes  and  with  ropes  135 
Well  twisted,  and  before  them  went  the  mules. 
O'er  steep,  o'er  glen,  by  straight,  by  winding  ways, 


->86  The  Iliad. 

They  journeyed  till  they  reached  the  woodland  wilds 
Of  Ida  fresh  with  springs,  and  quickly  felled 
With  the  keen  steel  the  towering  oaks  that  came  u° 
Crashing  to  earth.     Then,  splitting  the  great  trunks, 
They  bound  them  on  the  mules,  that  beat  the  earth 
With  hasty  footsteps  through  the  tangled  wood, 
Impatient  for  the  plain.     Each  woodcutter 
Shouldered  a  tree,  for  so  Meriones,  MS 

Companion  of  the  brave  Idomeneus, 
Commanded,  and  at  last  they  laid  them  down 
In  order  on  the  shore,  where  Peleus'  son 
Planned  that  a  mighty  sepulchre  should  rise 
Both  for  his  friend  Patroclus  and  himself.  '» 

So  brought  they  to  the  spot  vast  heaps  of  wood, 
And  sat  them  down,  a  numerous  crowd.     But  then 
Achilles  bade  his  valiant  Myrmidons 
Put  on  their  brazen  mail  and  yoke  their  steeds. 
At  once  they  rose,  and  put  their  harness  on,          '55 
And  they  who  fought  from  chariots  climbed  their 

seats 
With  those  who  reined  the  steeds.     These  led  the 

van, 

And  after  them  a  cloud  of  men  on  foot 
By  thousands  followed.     In  the  midst  was  borne 
Patroclus  by  his  comrades.     Cutting  off  i# 

Their  hair,  they  strewed  it,  covering  the  dead. 
Behind  the  corpse,  Achilles  in  his  hands 
Sustained  the  head,  and  wept,  for  on  that  day 
He  gave  to  Hades  his  most  cherished  friend. 


y>w-  XA'iif.  287 

Now  when  they  reached  the  spot  which  Peleus' 
son  165 

Had  chosen,  they  laid  down  the  dead,  and  piled 
The  wood  around  him,  while  the  swift  of  foot, 
The  great  Achilles,  bent  on  other  thoughts, 
Standing  apart,  cut  off  his  amber  hair, 
Which  for  the  river  Sperchius  he  had  long      ..        170 
Nourished  to  ample  growth,  and,  sighing,  turned 
His  eyes  upon  the  dark-blue  sea,  and  said  :  — 

"  Sperchius,  in  vain  my  father  made  a  vow 
That  I,  returning  to  my  native  shore, 
Should  bring  my  hair,  an  offering  to  thee,  i?s 

And  slay  a  consecrated  hecatomb, 
And  burn  a  sacrifice  of  fifty  rams, 
Beside  the  springs  where  in  a  sacred  field 
Thy  fragrant  altar  stands.     Such  was  the  vow 
Made  by  the  aged  man,  yet  hast  thou  not  i*. 

Fulfilled  his  wish.     And  now,  since  I  no  more 
Shall  see  my  native  land,  the  land  I  love, 
Let  the  slain  hero  bear  these  locks  away." 

He  spake,  and  in  his  dear  companion's  hands 
He  placed  the  hair,  and  all  around  were  moved    >a5 
To  deeper  grief;  the  setting  sun  had  left 
The  host  lamenting,  had  not  Peleus'  son 
Addressed  Atrides,  standing  at  his  side :  — 

"  Atrides,  thou  whose  word  the  Greeks  obey 
Mcst  readily,  all  mourning  has  an  end.  190 

Dismiss  the  people  from  the  pyre  to  take 
Their  evening  meal,  while  we  with  whom  it  rests 


288  TJie  Iliad. 

To  pay  these  mournful  duties  to  the  dead 
Will  close  the  rites  ;  but  let  the  chiefs  remain." 

This  when  the  monarch  Agamemnon  heard,      193 
Instantly  he  dismissed  to  their  good  ships 
The  people.     They  who  had  the  dead  in  charge 
Remained,  and  heaped  the  wood,  and  built  a  pyre 
A  hundred  feet  each  way  from  side  to  side.    •        1:9 
With  sorrowful  hearts  they  raised  and  laid  the  corse 
Upon  the  summit.     Then  they  flayed  and  dressed 
Before  it  many  fallings  of  the  flock, 
And  oxen  with  curved  feet  and  crooked  horns. 
From  these  magnanimous  Achilles  took 
The  fat,  and  covered  with  it  carefully  =05 

The  dead  from  head  to  foot.     Beside  the  bier, 
And  leaning  toward  it,  jars  of  honey  and  oil 
He  placed,  and  flung,  with  many  a  deep-drawn  sigh, 
Twelve  high-necked  steeds  upon  the  pile.      Nine 

hounds 

There  were,  which  from  the  table  of  the  prince     -•« 
Were  daily  fed  ;  of  these  Achilles  struck 
The  heads  from  two,  and  laid  them  on  the  wood, 
And  after  these,  and  last,  twelve  gallant  sons 
Of  the  brave  Trojans,  butchered  by  the  sword; 
For  he  was  bent  on  evil.     To  the  pile  215 

He  put  the  iron  violence  of  fire, 
And,  wailing,  called  by  name  the  friend  he  loved  :  — 

"  Rejoice,  Patroclus,  even  in  the  land 
Of  souls.     Lo  !  I  perform  the  vow  I  made  ; 
Twelve  gallant  sons  of  the  brave  men  of  Troy       *» 


Book  XXIir.  289 

The  fire  consumes  with  thee.     For  Hector's  corse, 
The  flames  shall  not  devour  it,  but  the  dogs." 

Such  was  his  threat ;  but  Hector  was  not  made 
The  prey  of  dogs,  for  Venus,  born  to  Jove, 
Drave  off  by  night  and  day  the  ravenous  tribe,      «s 
And  with  a  rosy  and  ambrosial  oil 
Anointed  him,  that  he  might  not  be  torn 
When  dragged  along  the  earth.     Above  the  spot 
And  all  around  it,  where  the  body  lay, 
Phcebus  Apollo  drew  a  veil  of  clouds  ^ 

Reaching  from  heaven,  that  on  his  limbs  the  flesh 
And  sinews  might  not  stiffen  in  the  sun. 

The  flame  seized  not  upon  the  funeral  pile 
Of  the  dead  chief.     Pelides,  swift  of  foot, 
I3ethought  him  of  another  rite.      He  stood  235 

Apart,  and  offered  vows  to  the  two  winds, 
Boreas  and  Zephyr.     Promising  to  bring 
Fair  offerings  to  their  shrines,  and  pouring  out 
Libations  from  a  golden  cup,  he  prayed 
That  they  would  haste  and  wrap  the  pile  in  flames, 
And  burn  the  dead  to  ashes.     At  his  prayer          ^> 
Fleet  Iris  on  a  message  to  the  Winds 
Took  instant  wing.     They  sat  within  the  halls 
Of  murmuring  Zephyr,  at  a  solemn  feast. 
There  Iris  lighted  on  the  threshold-stone.  245 

As  soon  as  they  beheld  her,  each  arose 
And  bade  her  sit  beside  him.     She  refused 
To  seat  her  at  the  banquet,  and  replied  :  — 

"  Not  now ;  for  I  again  must  take  my  way 

VOL.  ii.  13  s 


290  Tlie  Iliad. 

Over  the  ocean  currents  to  the  land 
Where  dwell  the  /Ethiopians,  who  adore 
The  gods  with  hecatombs,  to  take  my  share 
Of  sacrifice.     Achilles  supplicates, 
With  promise  of  munificent  offerings, 
Boreas  and  sounding  Zephyrus  to  come  ^ 

And  blow  the  funeral  structure  into  flames 
On  which,  bewailed  by  all  the  Grecian  host, 
Patroclus  lies,  and  waits  to  be  consumed." 
So  spake  she,  and  departed.     Suddenly 
Arose  the  Winds  with  tumult,  driving  on 
The  clouds  before  them.      Soon  they  reached  the 

deep  ; 

Beneath  the  violence  of  their  sounding  breath 
The  billows  heaved.     They  swept  the  fertile  fields 
Of  Troas,  and  descended  on  the  pyre, 
And  mightily  it  blazed  with  fearful  roar. 
All  night  they  howled  and  tossed  the  flames.     All 

night 

Stood  swift  Achilles,  holding  in  his  hand 
A  double  beaker  ;  from  a  golden  jar 
He  dipped  the  wine,  and  poured  it  forth,  and  steeped 
The  earth  around,  and  called  upon  the  soul 
Of  his  unhappy  friend.      As  one  laments 
A  newly  married  son  upon  whose  corse 
The  flames  are  feeding,  and  whose  death  has  made 
His  parents  wretched,  so  did  Peleus'  son, 
Burning  the  body  of  his  comrade,  mourn,  =75 

As  round  the  pyre  he  moved  with  frequent  sighs. 


Book  XXI 11.  291 

Now  when  the  star  that  ushers  in  the  day 
Appeared,  and  after  it  the  morning,  clad 
In  saffron  robes,  had  overspread  the  sea, 
The  pyre  sank  wasted,  and  the  flames  arose          •&* 
No  longer,  and  the  Winds,  departing,  flew 
Homeward  across  the  Thracian  sea,  which  tossed 
And  roared  with  swollen  billows  as  they  went. 
And  now  Pelides  from  the  pyre  apart 
Weary  lay  down,  and  gentle  slumber  soon  285 

Came  stealing  over  him.     Meantime  the  Greeks 
Gathered  round  Agamemnon,  and  the  stir 
And  bustle  of  their  coming  woke  the  chief, 
Who  sat  upright  and  thus  addressed  his  friends  :  — 

"Atrides,  and  all  ye  who  lead  the  hosts 
Of  Greece  !  our  task  is,  first  to  quench  the  pyre 
With  dark  red  wine  where'er  the  flames  have  spread, 
And  next  to  gather,  with  discerning  care, 
The  bones  of  Mencetiades.     And  these 
May  well  be  known  ;  for  in  the  middle  space         295 
He  lay,  and  round  about  him,  and  apart 
Upon  the  border,  were  the  rest  consumed,  — 
The  bodies  of  the  captives  and  the  steeds. 
Be  his  enclosed  within  a  golden  vase, 
And  wrapped  around  with  caul,  a  double  fold,      3«> 
Till  I  too  pass  into  the  realm  of  Death. 
And  be  a  tomb  not  over-spacious  reared, 
But  of  becoming  size,  which  afterward 
Ye  whom  we  leave  behind  in  our  good  ships, 
When  we  are  gone,  will  build  more  broad  and  high." 


292  The  Iliad, 

So  spake  the  swift  Pelides,  and  the  chiefs          30* 
Complied  ;    and  first  they  quenched  with  dark  red 

wine 

The  pyre,  where'er  the  flames  had  spread,  and  where 
Lay  the  deep  ashes  ;  then,  with  many  tears, 
Gathered  the  white  bones  of  their  gentle  friend,   30 
And  laid  them  in  a  golden  vase,  wrapped  round 
With  caul,  a  double  fold.     Within  the  tents 
They  placed  them  softly,  wrapped  in  delicate  lawn, 
Then  drew  a  circle  for  the  sepulchre, 
And,  laying  its  foundations  to  enclose  3«> 

The  pyre,  they  heaped  the  earth,  and,  having  reared 
A  mound,  withdrew.     Achilles  yet  detained 
The  multitude,  and  made  them  all  sit  down, 
A  vast  assembly.     From  the  ships  he  brought 
The  prizes,  —  caldrons,  tripods,  steeds,  and  mules, 
Oxen  in  sturdy  pairs,  and  graceful  maids,  v* 

And  shining  steel.     Then  for  the  swiftest  steeds 
A  princely  prize  he  offered  first,  —  a  maid 
Of  peerless  form,  and  skilled  in  household  arts, 
And  a  two-handled  tripod  of  a  size  v* 

For  two-and-twenty  measures.     He  gave  out 
The  second  prize,  —  a  mare  unbroken  yet, 
Of  six  years  old,  and  pregnant  with  a  mule. 
For  the  third  winner  in  the  race  he  staked 
A  caldron  that  had  never  felt  the  fire,  w 

Holding  four  measures,  beautiful,  and  yet 
Untarnished.     For  the  fourth,  he  offered  gold, 
Two  talents.     For  the  fifth,  and  last,  remained 


Book  XXIII.  293 

A.  double  vessel  never  touched  by  fire. 
He    rose    and    stood,    and    thus    addressed    the 
Greeks  :  —  ?35 

"  Atrides,  and  ye  other  well-armed  Greeks^ 
These  prizes  lie  within  the  chariot-course, 
And  wait  the  charioteers.     Were  but  these  games 
In  honor  of  another,  then  would  I 
Contend,  and  win  and  carry  to  my  tent  340 

The  first  among  these  prizes.     For  my  steeds, 
Ye  know,  surpass  the  rest  in  speed,  since  they 
Are  of  immortal  birth,  by  Neptune  given 
To  Peleus,  and  by  him  in  turn  bestowed 
On  me  his  son.     But  I  and  they  will  keep  34* 

Aloof;  they  miss  their  skilful  charioteer, 
Who  washed  in  limpid  water  from  the  fount 
Their  manes,  and  moistened  them  with  softening  oil. 
And  now  they  mourn  their  friend,  and  sadly  stand 
With    drooping   heads  and  manes  that   touch   the 
ground.  350 

Let  such  of  you  as  trust  in  their  swift  steeds 
And  their  strong  cars  prepare  to  join  the  games." 

Pelides  spake  :  the  abler  charioteers 
Arose,  and,  first  of  all,  the  king  of  men, 
F.umelus,  eminent  in  horsemanship,  355 

The  dear  son  of  Admetus.     Then  arose 
The  valiant  son  of  Tydeus,  Diomed, 
And  led  beneath  the  yoke  the  Trojan  steeds 
Won  from  ^Eneas  when  Apollo  saved 
That  chief  from  death.     The  son  of  Atreus  next,  360 


294  The  Hind. 

The  noble  Menelaus,  yellow-haired, 

Brought  two  swift  coursers  underneath  the  yoke, 

King  Agamemnon's  ^the,  and  with  her 

His  own  Podargus.     Echepolus  once, 

Anchises'  son,  sent  y£the  as  a  gift  365 

To  Agamemnon,  that  he  might  be  free 

From  following  with  the  army  to  the  heights 

Of  Ilium,  and  enjoy  the  ease  he  loved  ; 

For  Jove  had  given  him  wealth,  and  he  abode 

On  Sicyon's  plains.     Now,  eager  for  the  race,       s?« 

She  took  the  yoke.     Antilochus,  the  fourth, 

The  gallant  son  of  the  magnanimous  king, 

Neleian  Nestor,  harnessed  next  his  steeds 

With  stately  manes.     Swift  coursers  that  were  foaled 

At  Pylus  drew  his  chariot.     To  his  side 

His  father  came  and  stood,  and  spake  and  gave 

Wise  counsels,  though  the  youth  himself  was  wise  :  — 

"  Antilochus,  I  cannot  doubt  that  Jove 
And  Neptune  both  have  loved  thee,  teaching  thee, 
Young  as  thou  art,  all  feats  of  horsemanship.         3* 
Small  is  the  need  to  instruct  thee.     Thou  dost  know 
Well  how  to  turn  the  goal,  and  yet  thy  steeds 
Are  slow,  and  ill  for  thee  may  be  the  event. 
Their  steeds  are  swift,  yet  have  they  never  learned 
To  govern  them  with  greater  skill  than  thou.         385 
Now  then,  dear  son,  bethink  thee  heedfully 
Of  all  precautions,  lest  thou  miss  the  prize. 
By  skill  the  woodman,  rather  than  by  strength, 
Brings  down  the  oak ;  by  skill  the  pilot  guides 


Book  XXIII.  295 

His  wind-tossed  galley  over  the  dark  sea  ;  39* 

And  thus  by  skill  the  charioteer  o'ercomes 

His  rival.     He  who  trusts  too  much  his  steeds 

And  chariot  lets  them  veer  from  side  to  side 

Along  the  course,  nor  keeps  a  steady  rein 

Straight  on,  while  one  expert  in  horsemanship,      395 

Though  drawn  by  slower  horses,  carefully 

Observes  the  goal,  and  closely  passes  it, 

Nor  fails  to  know  how  soon  to  turn  his  course, 

Drawing  the  leathern  reins,  and  steadily 

Keeps  on,  and  watches  him  who  goes  before.        4» 

Now  must  I  show  the  goal  which,  easily 

Discerned,  will  not  escape  thine  eye.     It  stands 

An  ell  above  the  ground,  a  sapless  post, 

Of  oak  or  larch,  —  a  wood  of  slow  decay 

By  rain,  and  at  its  foot  on  either  side  4cs 

Lies  a  white  stone ;  there  narrow  is  the  way, 

But  level  is  the  race-course  all  around. 

The  monument  it  is  of  one  long  dead, 

Or  haply  it  has  been  in  former  days 

A  goal,  as  the  swift-footed  Peleus'  son  4" 

Has  now  appointed  it.     Approach  it  near, 

Driving  thy  chariot  close  upon  its  foot, 

Then  in  thy  seat  lean  gently  to  the  left 

And  cheer  the  right-hand  horse,  and  ply  the  lash, 

And  give  him  a  loose  rein,  yet  firmly  keep  415 

The  left-hand  courser  close  beside  the  goal,  — 

So  close  that  the  wheel's  nave  may  seem  to  touch 

The  summit  of  the  post ;  yet  strike  thou  not 


296  The  Iliad. 

The  stone  beside  it,  lest  thou  lame  thy  steeds 

And  break  the  chariot,  to  thy  own  disgrace  43 

And  laughter  of  the  others.     My  dear  son, 

Be  on  thy  guard  ;  for  if  thou  pass  the  goal 

Before  the  rest,  no  man  in  the  pursuit 

Can  overtake  or  pass  thee,  though  he  drave 

The  noble  courser  of  Adrastus,  named  v 

Arion  the  swift-footed,  which  a  god 

Bade  spring  to  life,  or  those  of  matchless  speed 

Reared  here  in  Ilium  by  Laomedon." 

Neleian  Nestor  spake,  and,  having  thus 
Given  all  the  needful  cautions,  took  his  seat          43 
In  his  own  place.     Meriones,  the  fifth, 
Harnessed  his  steeds  with  stately  manes,  and  all 
Mounted  their  chariots.     Lots  were  cast ;  the  son 
Of  Peleus  shook  the  helmet,  and  the  lot 
Of  Nestor's  son,  Antilochus,  leaped  forth  ;  43 

And  next  the  lot  of  King  Eumelus  came ; 
And  Menelaus,  mighty  with  the  spear, 
Had  the  third  lot ;  Meriones  was  next ; 
And  to  the  bravest  of  them  all,  the  son 
Of  Tydeus,  fell  the  final  lot  and  place.  44 

They  stood  in  order,  while  Achilles  showed 
The  goal  far  off  upon  the  level  plain, 
And  near  it,  as  the  umpire  of  the  race, 
He  placed  the  godlike  Phoenix,  who  had  been 
His  father's  armor-bearer,  to  observe  44 

With  judging  eye,  and  bring  a  true  report. 

All  raised  at  once  the  lash  above  their  steeds, 


Book  XXIH.  297 

And  smote  them  with  the  reins,  and  cheered  them  on 
With  vehement  cries.     Across  the  plain  they  swept, 
Far  from  the  fleet ;  beneath  them  rose  the  dust,  w 
A  cloud,  a  tempest,  and  their  tossing  manes 
Were  lifted  by  the  wind.     And  now  the  cars 
Touched  earth,  and  now  were  flung  into  the  air. 
Erect  the  drivers  stood,  with  beating  hearts, 
Eager  for  victory,  each  encouraging  433 

His  steeds,  that  flew  beneath  the  shroud  of  dust. 

But  when  they  turned  their  course,  and  swiftly  ran 
Back  to  the  hoary  deep  to  close  the  course, 
Well  did  the  skill  of  every  chief  appear. 
They  put  their  horses  to  the  utmost  speed,  4«o 

And  then  did  the  quick-footed  steeds  that  drew 
Eumelus  bear  him  on  beyond  the  rest. 
But  with  his  Trojan  coursers  Diomed 
Came  next,  so  near  it  seemed  that  they  would  mount 
The  car  before  them,  and  upon  the  back  463 

And  ample  shoulders  of  Eumelus  smote 
Their  steaming  breath  ;  for  as  they  ran  their  heads 
Leaned  over  him.     And  then  would  Diomed 
Have  passed  him  by,  or  would  at  least  have  made 
The  victory  doubtful,  had  not  Phoebus  struck,       4?o 
In  his  displeasure,  from  the  hero's  hand 
The  shining  scourge.     It  fell,  and  to  his  eyes 
Started  indignant  tears  ;  for  now  he  saw 
The  others  gaining  on  him,  while  the  speed 
Of  his  own  steeds,  which  feared  the  lash  no  more,  475 
Was  slackened.     Yet  Apollo's  stratagem 
13* 


298  The  Iliad 

Was  not  unseen  by  Pallas,  who  o'ertook 
The  shepherd  of  the  people,  and  restored 
The  scourge  he  dropped,  and  put  into  his  steeds 
New  spirit.     In  her  anger  she  approached  4* 

Eumelus,  snapped  his  yoke,  and  caused  his  mares 
To  start  asunder  from  the  track  ;  the  pole 
Was  dashed  into  the  ground,  and  from  the  seat 
The  chief  was  flung  beside  the  wheel,  his  mouth, 
Elbows,  and  nostrils  torn,  his  forehead  bruised.     4»s 
Grief  filled  his  eyes  with  tears  and  choked  his  voice, 
While  Diomed  drave  by  his  firm-paced  steeds, 
Outstripping  all  the  rest ;  for  Pallas  nerved 
Their  limbs  with  vigor,  and  bestowed  on  him 
Abundant  glory.      After  him  the  son  490 

Of  Atreus,  fair-haired  Menelaus,  came, 
While  Nestor's  son  cheered  on  his  father's  steeds  :  — 
"  On,  on  !  press  onward  with  your  utmost  speed  ! 
Not  that  I  bid  you  strive  against  the  steeds 
Of  warlike  Diomed,  for  Pallas  gives  495 

Swiftness  to  them  and  glory  to  the  man 
•Who  holds  the  reins  ;  but  let  us  overtake 
The  horses  of  Atrides,  nor  submit 
To  be  thus  distanced,  lest  the  victory 
Of  the  mare  ^Ethe  cover  you  with  shame.  s°° 

Fleet  as  ye  are,  why  linger  ?     This  at  least 
I  tell  you,  and  my  words  will  be  fulfilled  : 
Look  not  for  kindly  care  at  Nestor's  hands, 
That  shepherd  of  the  people,  but  for  death 
With  the  sharp  steel,  if  through  your  fault  we  take  5°? 


Book  XXIII.  299 

A  meaner  prize.     Then  onward  and  away, 
With  all  your  strength,  for  this  is  my  design,  — 
To  pass  by  Menelaus  where  the  way 
Is  narrow,  and  he  cannot  thwart  my  plan." 

He  spake,  and  they  who  feared  their  master's 
threat  s-o 

Mended  their  speed  awhile.     The  warlike  son 
Of  Nestor  saw  just  then  the  narrow  pass 
Within  the  hollow  way,  a  furrow  ploughed 
By  winter  floods,  which  there  had  torn  the  course 
And  deepened  it.     Atrides,  to  avoid  515 

The  clash  of  wheels,  drave  thither  ;  thither  too 
Antilochus  —  who  turned  his  firm-paced  steeds 
A  little  from  the  track  in  which  they  ran  — 
Followed  him  close.     Atrides  saw  with  fear, 
And  shouted  to  Antilochus  aloud  : —  s*> 

"  Antilochus,  thou  drivest  rashly  ;  rein 
Thy  horses  in.     The  way  is  narrow  here, 
But  soon  will  broaden,  and  thou  then  canst  pass. 
Beware  lest  with  thy  chariot-wheels  thou  dash 
Against  my  own,  and  harm  befall  us  both."  5*5 

He  spake  ;  but  all  the  more  Antilochus 
Urged  on  his  coursers  with  the  lash,  as  if 
He  had  not  heard.     As  far  as  flies  a  quoit 
Thrown  from  the  shoulder  of  a  vigorous  youth 
Who  tries  his  strength,  so  far  they  ran  abreast.      ^ 
The  horses  of  Atrides  then  fe!l  back  ; 
He  slacked  the  reins  ;  for  much  he  feared  the  steeds 
Would  dash  against  each  other  in  the  way, 


300  The  Iliad. 

And  overturn  the  sumptuous  cars,  and  fling 
The  charioteers  contending  for  the  prize  53= 

Upon  the  dusty  track.     With  angry  words 
The  fair-haired  Menelaus  chided  thus  :  — 

"  Antilochus,  there  is  no  man  so  prone 
As  thou  to  mischief,  and  we  greatly  err, 
We  Greeks,  who  call  thee  wise.     Go  now,  and  yet 
Thou  shalt  not  take  the  prize  without  an  oath."    541 

Again  he  spake,  encouraging  his  steeds  : 
"  Check  not  your  speed,  nor  sorrowfully  stand  : 
Their  feet  and  knees  will  fail  with  weariness 
Before  your  own  •  they  are  no  longer  young."        545 

He  spake  ;  the  coursers,  honoring  his  voice, 
Ran  with  fresh  speed,  and  soon  were  near  to  those 
Of  Nestor's  son.     Meantime  the  assembled  Greeks 
Sat  looking  where  the  horses  scoured  the  plain 
And  filled  the  air  with  dust.     Idomeneus, 
The  lord  of  Crete,  descried  the  coursers  first, 
For  on  a  height  he  sat  above  the  crowd. 
He  heard  the  chief  encouraging  his  steeds, 
And  knew  him,  and  he  marked  before  the  rest 
A  courser,  chestnut-colored  save  a  spot  sss 

Upon  the  middle  of  the  forehead,  white, 
And  round  as  the  full  moon.     And  then  he  stood 
Upright,  and  from  his  place  harangued  the  Greeks  : — 

"  O  friends,  the  chiefs  and  leaders  of  the  Greeks, 
Am  I  the  sole  one  that  descries  the  steeds,  sw 

Or  do  ye  also  ?     Those  who  lead  the  race, 
I  think,  are  not  the  same,  and  with  them  comes 


Book  XX III.  301 

A  different  charioteer.     The  mares,  which  late 

Were  foremost,  may  have  somewhere  come  to  harm. 

I  saw  them  first  to  turn  the  goal,  and  now  56? 

I  can  no  more  discern  them,  though  my  sight 

Sweeps  the  whole  Trojan  plain  from  side  to  side. 

Either  the  charioteer  has  dropped  the  reins, 

And  could  not  duly  round  the  goal,  or  else 

Met  with  disaster  at  the  turn,  o'erthrown,  $?• 

His  chariot  broken,  and  the  affrighted  mares 

Darting,  unmastered,  madly  from  the  way. 

But  rise  :  look  forth  yourselves.     I  cannot  well 

Discern,  but  think  the  charioteer  is  one 

Who,  born  of  an  ^Etolian  stock,  commands  575 

Among  the  Argives,  —  valiant  Diomed, 

A  son  of  Tydeus,  tamer  of  wild  steeds." 

And  Ajax,  swift  of  foot,  Oi'leus'  son, 
Answered  with  bitter  words  :  "  Idomeneus, 
Why  this  perpetual  prating?     Faraway  5«° 

The  mares  with  rapid  hoofs  are  traversing 
The  plain,  and  thou  art  not  the  youngest  here 
Among  the  Argives,  nor  hast  such  sharp  eyes 
Beneath  thy  brows,  yet  must  thou  chatter  still. 
Among  thy  betters  here  it  ill  becomes  585 

A  man  like  thee  to  be  so  free  of  tongue. 
The  coursers  of  Eumelus,  which  at  first 
Outran  the  rest,  are  yet  before  them  all, 
And  he  is  drawing  near  and  holds  the  reins." 

The  Cretan  leader  angr'ly  rejoined  :  ax 

"  Ajax,  thou  railer,  first  in  brawls,  yet  known 


302  The  Iliad. 

As  in  all  else  below  the  other  Greeks, 

A  man  of  brutal  mood,  come,  let  us  stake 

A  tripod  or  a  caldron,  and  appoint 

As  umpire  Agamemnon,  to  decide  595 

Which  horses  are  the  foremost  in  the  race, 

That  when  thou  losest  thou  mayst  be  convinced." 

He  spake  :  Oilean  Ajax,  swift  of  foot, 
Started  in  anger  from  his  seat,  to  cast 
Reproaches  back,  and  long  and  fierce  had  been   soo 
The  quarrel  if  Achilles  had  not  risen, 
And  said  :  "  No  longer  let  this  strife  go  on, 
Idomeneus  and  Ajax !     Ill  such  words 
Become  you  ;  ye  would  blame  in  other  men 
What  now  ye  do.     Sit  then  among  the  rest,  (** 

And  watch  the  race ;  for  soon  the  charioteers 
Contending  for  the  victory  will  be  here, 
And  each  of  you  — for  well  ye  know  the  steeds 
Of  the  Greek  chieftains  —  for  himself  will  see 
Whose  hold  the  second  place,  and  whose  are  first." 

He  spake  :  Tyclides  rapidly  drew  near,  en 

Lashing  the  shoulders  of  his  steeds,  and  they 
Seemed  in  the  air  as,  to  complete  the  course, 
They  flew  along,  and  flung  the  dust  they  trod 
Back  on  the  charioteer.  All  bright  with  tin  615 

And  gold,  the  car  rolled  after  them  ;  its  tires 
Made  but  a  slender  trace  in  the  light  dust, 
So  rapidly  they  ran.      And  now  he  stopped 
Within  the  circle,  while  his  steeds  were  steeped 
In  sweat,  that  fell  in  drops  from  neck  and  breast.  &» 


Book  XX1IL  303 

Then  from  his  shining  seat  he  leaped,  and  laid 
His  scourge  against  the  yoke.     Brave  Sthenelus 
Came  forward,  and  at  once  received  the  prize 
For  Diomed,  and  bade'his  comrades  lead 
The  maid  away,  and  in  their  arms  bear  off 
The  tripod,  while  himself  unyoked  the  steeds. 

Next  the  Neleian  chief,  Antilochus, 
Came  with  his  coursers.     More  by  fraud  than  speed 
He  distanced  Menelaus,  yet  that  chief 
Drave  his  fleet  horses  near  him.     Just  so  far         o3a 
As  runs  the  wheel  behind  a  steed  that  draws 
His  master  swiftly  o'er  the  plain,  his  tail 
Touching  the  tire  with  its  long  hairs,  and  small 
The  space  between  them  as  the  spacious  plain 
Is  traversed,  Menelaus  just  so  far  635 

Was  distanced  by  renowned  Antilochus. 
For  though  at  first  he  fell  as  far  behind 
Asa  quoit's  cast,  yet  was  he  gaining  ground 
Rapidly,  now  that  Agamemnon's  mare, 
/F,the  the  stately-maned,  increased  her  speed,        640 
And  Menelaus,  had  the  race  for  both 
Been  longer,  would  have  passed  his  rival  by, 
Nor  left  the  victory  doubtful.     After  him, 
A  spear's  throw  distant,  came  Meriones, 
The  gallant  comrade  of  Idomeneus,  645 

Whose  full-maned  steeds  were  slower  than  the  rest, 
And  he  unskilled  in  contests  such  as  these. 
And  last  of  all  Eumelus  came.     He  drew 
His  showy  chariot  after  him,  and  drave 


304  Tits  Iliad. 

His  steeds  before  him.     Great  Achilles  saw  65° 

With  pity,  and  from  where  he  stood  among 
The   Greeks    addressed    him    thus    with    winged 
words  :  — 

"  The  ablest  horseman  brings  his  steeds  the  last, 
But  let  us,  as  is  just,  confer  on  him 
The  second  prize  ;  Tydides  takes  the  first." 

He  spake,  and  all  approved  his  words ;  and  now 
The  mare,  to  please  the  Greeks,  had  been  bestowed 
Upon  Eumelus,  if  Antilochus, 
Son  of  magnanimous  Nestor,  had  not  risen 
To  plead  for  justice  with  Achilles  thus  :—  «« 

"  Achilles,  I  shall  deem  it  grave  offence 
If  thou  fulfil  thy  word  ;  for  thou  wilt  take 
My  prize,  because  thou  seest  that  this  man's  car 
And  his  fleet  steeds  have  suffered  injury, 
Though  he  be  skilful.     Yet  he  should  have  prayed 
To  the  good  gods  ;  then  had  he  not  been  seen      <&> 
Bringing  his  steeds  the  last.     But  if  thou  feel 
Compassion  for  him,  and  if  so  thou  please. 
Large  stoie  of  brass  and  gold  is  in  thy  tent, 
And  thine  are  cattle,  and  handmaidens  thine,        670 
And  firm-paced  steeds  ;  hereafter  give  of  these 
A  nobler  largess,  or  bestow  it  now, 
And  hear  the  Greeks  applaud  thee.     But  this  prize 
I  yield  not  ;,  let  the  warrior  who  may  claim 
To  take  it  try  with  uie  his  strength  of  arm."  675 

He  ceased  :  the  nuble  son  of  Peleus  smiled, 
And,  pleased  to  see  Antilochus  succeed,  — 


Book  XXIII.  305 

For  he  was  a  beloved  friend,  —  he  spake 

These  winged  words  :  "  Since,  then,  Antiiochus, 

Thou  wilt  that  I  bestow  some  recompense 

Upon  Eumelus  from  my  store,  I  give 

The  brazen  corselet  which  my  arm  in  war 

Took  from  Asteropoeus,  edged  aro*md 

With  shining  tin,  —  a  gift  of  no  mean  price." 

He  ceased,  and  sent  his  friend  Automedon        <*= 
To  bring  it  from  the  tent.      He  went  and  brought 
The  corselet,  and  Eumelus  joyfully 
Received  it  from  Achilles.     Then  arose, 
Among  them  Menelaus,  ill  at  ease, 
And  angry  with  Antiiochus.     He  took  ^ 

The  sceptre  from  a  herald's  hand,  who  hushed 
The  crowd  to  silence,  and  the  hero  spake  :  — 

"Antiiochus,  who  wert  till  now  discreet, 
\Vhat  hast  thou  done?     Thou  hast  disgraced  my 

skill 

And  wronged  my  steeds  by  thrusting  in  thine  own,  69= 
\Vhich  were  less  fleet,  before  them.     Now,  ye  chiefs 
And  leaders  of  the  Achaians,  judge  between 
This  man  and  me,  and  judge  impartially, 
Lest  that  some  warrior  of  the  Greeks  should  say 
That  Menelaus,  having  overcome  ;<* 

Antiiochus  by  falsehood,  led  away 
The  mare  a  prize  ;  for  his  were  slower  steeds, 
But  he  the  mightier  man  in  feats  ot  arms. 
Nay,  I  myself  will  judge  ,  and  none  of  all 
The  Greeks  will  censure  me,  for  what  I  do  705 

T 


306  The  I  Had. 

Will  be  but  just.     Antilochus,  step  forth, 
Illustrious  as  thou  art,  and  in  due  form, 
Standing  before  thy  horses  and  thy  car, 
And  taking  in  thy  hand  the  pliant  scourge 
Which  thou  just  now  hast  wielded,  touch  thy  steeds, 
And  swear  by  Nfcptune,  whose  embrace  surrounds  7-1 
The  earth,  that  thou  hast  wittingly  employed 
No  stratagem  to  break  my  chariot's  speed." 

And  thus  discreet  Antilochus  replied  : 
"  Have  patience  with  me  :  I  am  younger  far          715 
Than  thou,  King  Menelaus  ;  thou  art  both 
My  elder  and  my  better.     Thou  dost  know 
The  faults  to  which  the  young  are  ever  prone  ; 
The  will  is  quick  to  act,  the  judgment  weak. 
Bear  with  me  then.     The  mare  which  I  received  7*» 
I  cheerfully  make  over  to  thy  hands. 
And  if  thou  wilt  yet  more  of  what  I  have, 
I  give  it  willingly  and  instantly, 
Rather,  O  loved  of  Jove,  than  lose  a  place 
In  thy  good-will,  and  sin  against  the  gods."  7»s 

The  son  of  large-souled  Nestor,  speaking  thus, 
Led  forth  the  mare,  and  gave  her  to  the  hand 
Of  Menelaus,  o'er  whose  spirit  came 
A  gladness.     As  upon  a  field  of  wheat 
Bristling  with  ears  gathers  the  freshening  dew,      73° 
So  was  his  spirit  gladdened  in  his  breast, 
And  he  bespake  the  youth  with  winged  words  :  — 

"  Antilochus,  now  shall  my  anger  cease, 
For  hitherto  thou  hast  not  shown  thyself 


i>ook  XXI II.  307 

Foolish  or  fickle,  though  the  heat  of  youth  735 

Just  now  hath  led  thee  wrong.     In  time  to  come, 

Beware  to  practise  stealthy  arts  on  men 

Of  higher  rank  than  thou.     No  other  Greek 

Would  easily  have  made  his  peace  with  me. 

But  thou  hast  suffered  much,  and  much  hast  done,  — 

Thou,  and  thy  worthy  father,  and  his  son,  741 

Thy  brother,  —  for  my  sake.     I  therefore  yield 

To  thy  petition  ;  yet  I  give  to  thee 

The  mare,  though  mine  she  be,  that  these  who  stand 

Around  us  may  perceive  that  I  am  not  745 

Of  unforgiving  or  unyielding  mood." 

He  spake,  and  to  Noemon  gave  the  mart., — 
Noemon,  comrade  of  Antilochus, — 
To  lead  her  thence,  while  for  himself  ne  took 
The  shining  caldron.     Then  Merlonis,  is* 

Fourth  in  the  race,  received  the  prize  of  gold, — 
Two  talents.     But  the  fifth  prize  and  the  last, 
The  double  goblet,  still  was  left  unclaimed  ; 
And  this  Achilles  carried  through  the  crowd 
Of  Greeks,    and    placed    in    Nestor's  hands,    and 
said  :  —  755 

"  Receive  thou  this,  O  ancient  man,  to  keep 
In  memory  of  the  funeral  honors  paid 
Patroclus,  whom  thou  never  more  shalt  see 
Among  the  Greeks.     I  give  this  prize,  which  thou 
Hast  not  contended  for,  since  thou  wilt  wield       i& 
No  more  the  cestus,  nor  wilt  wrestle  more, 
Nor  hurl  the  javelin  at  the  mark,  nor  join 


308  The  Iliad. 

The  foot-race ;  age  lies  heavy  on  thy  limbs.'' 

He  spake,  and  gave  the  prize,  which  Nestor  took. 
Well   pleased,   and    thus    with    winged    words    re 
plied  : —  76; 
"Son,  thou  hast  spoken  rightly,  for  these  limbs 
Are  strong  no  longer  ;  neither  feet  nor  hands 
Move  on  each  side  with  vigor  as  of  yore. 
Would  I  were  but  as  young,  with  strength  as  great, 
As  when  the  Epeians  in  Buprasium  laid  -nc 
King  Amarynceus  in  the  sepulchre, 
And  funeral  games  were  offered  by  his  sons ! 
Then  of  the  Epeians  there  was  none  like  me. 
Nor  of  the  Pylian  youths,  nor  yet  among 
The  brave  ^Etolians.     In  the  boxing-match  775 
I  took  the  prize  from  Clytomedes,  son 
Of  Enops,  and  in  wrestling  overcame 
Anoeus  the  Pleuronian,  who  rose  up 
Against  me.     In  the  foot-race  I  outstripped, 
Fleet  as  he  was,  Iphiclus,  and  beyond  r*> 
Phyleus  and  Polydore  I  threw  the  spear. 
Only  the  sons  of  Actor  won  the  race 
Against  me  with  their  chariot,  and  they  won 
Through  force  of  numbers.     Much  they  envied  me, 
And  feared  lest  I  should  bear  away  the  prize  ;       785 
For  largest  in  that  contest  of  the  steeds 
Was  the  reward,  and  they  were  two,  —  one  held, 
Steadily  held,  the  reins,  the  other  swung 
The  lash.     Such  was  I  once.     Now  feats  like  these 
Belong  to  other,  younger  men,  and  I,  T& 


xx in.  309 

Though  eminent  among  the  heroes  once, 

Must  do  as  sad  old  age  admonishes. 

Go  thou,  and  honor  thy  friend's  funeral 

With  games.     Thy  gift  I  willingly  accept, 

Rejoicing  that  thy  thoughts  revert  to  one  ?9« 

Who  loves  thee,  and  that  th<  >u  forgettest  net 

To  pay  the  honor  due  to  me  among 

The  Greeks.     The  gods  will  give  thee  thy  reward." 

He  ceased.     The  son  of  Peleus,  having  heard 
This   praise   from    Nestor,    left    him,    and    passed 
through  soo 

The  mighty  concourse  of  the  Greeks.     He  laid 
Before  them  prizes  for  the  difficult  strife 
Between  the  boxers.     To  the  middle  space 
He  led  a  mule,  and  bound  him,  six  years  old 
And  strong  for  toil,  unbroken  and  most  hard         sos 
To  break,  while  to  the  vanquished  he  assigned 
A  goblet.     Rising,  he  addressed  the  host  :  — 

"  Ye  sons  of  Atreus  and  ye  well-armed  Greeks, 
We  call  for  two  of  the  most  skilled  to  strive 
For  these,  by  striking  with  the  lifted  fist ;  BIO 

And  he  to  whom  Apollo  shall  decree 
The  victory,  acknowledged  by  you  all, 
Shall  have  this  sturdy  mule  to  lead  away. 
The  vanquished  takes  this  goblet  as  his  meed." 

He  spake.     A  warrior  strong  and  huge  of  limb, 
Skilled  in  the  cestus,  named  Epeius,  son  sit 

Of  Panopeus,  rose  at  the  word,  and  laid 
His  hand  upon  the  sturdy  mule,  and  said  :  — 


3io  The  Iliad. 

"  Let  him  appear  whose  lot  will  be  to  take 
The  goblet.     No  man  of  the  Grecian  host  *>« 

Will  get  the  mule  by  overcoming  me 
In  combat  with  the  cestus,  —  so  I  deem. 
In  that  I  claim  to  be  the  best  man  here. 
And  should  it  not  suffice  that  in  the  war 
Others  surpass  me  ?     All  cannot  excel  825 

In  everything  alike.     I  promise  this, 
And  shall  fulfil  my  word,  —  that  I  will  crush 
His  body,  and  will  break  his  bones.      His  friends 
Should  all  remain  upon  the  ground  to  bear 
Their  comrade  off  when  beaten  by  my  hand."        830 

He  spake,  and  all  were  silent.     Only  rose 
Euryalus,  whose  father  was  the  king 
Mecisteus  of  Talaion's  line,  the  same 
Who  went  to  Thebes  and  overcame,  of  old, 
In  all  the  funeral  games  of  CEdipus,  335 

The  sons  of  Cadmus.     To  Euryalus 
Came  Diomed,  the  spearman,  bidding  him 
Expect  the  victory  which  he  greatly  wished 
His  friend  might  gain.     Around  his  waist  he  drew 
A  girdle,  adding  straps  that  from  the  hide  840 

Of  a  wild  bull  were  cut  with  dextrous  care. 
And,  fully  now  arrayed,  the  twain  stepped  forth 
Into  the  middle  space,  and  both  began 
The   combat.       Lifting    their    strong    arms,    they 

brought 

Their  heavy  hands  together.     Fearfully  845 

Was  heard  the  crash  of  jaws  ;  from  every  limb 


Book  XXIII.  311 

The  sweat  was  streaming.     As  Euryalus 

Looked  round,  his  noble  adversary  sprang 

And  smote  him  on  the  cheek,  —  too  rude  a  blow 

To  be  withstood  ;  his  shapely  limbs  gave  way        850 

Beneath  him.      As  upon  the  weedy  shore, 

When  the  fresh  north  wind  stirs  the  water's  face, 

A  fish  leaps  forth  to  light,  and  then  again 

The  dark  wave  covers  it,  so  sprang  and  fell 

The  chief.     Magnanimous  Epeius  gave  s^ 

His  hands  and  raised  him  up  ;   his  friends  came 

round 

And  led  him  thence  with  dragging  feet,  and  head 
That  drooped   from   side   to   side,   while   from    his 

mouth 

Came  clotted  blood.     They  placed  him  in  the  midst. 
Unconscious  still,  and  sent  and  took  the  cup.        sao 

Then,  third  in  order,  for  the  wrestling-match 
The  son  of  Peleus  brought  and  showed  the  Greeks 
Yet  other  prizes.     To  the  conqueror 
A  tripod  for  the  hearth,  of  ample  size, 
He  offered  ;  twice  six  oxen,  as  the  Greeks  se5 

Esteemed  it,  were  its  price.     And  next  he  placed 
In  view  a  damsel  for  the  vanquished,  trained 
In  household  arts  ;   four  beeves  were  deemed  her 
price. 

Then  rose  Achilles,  and  addressed  the  Greeks  : 
"  Ye  who  would  try  your  fortune  in  this  strife,       *-° 
Arise."     He  spake,  and  mighty  Ajax  rose, 
The  son  of  Telamon,  and  after  him 


3 1 2  The  Iliad.  • 

The  wise  Ulysses,  trained  to  stratagems. 

They,  girding  up  their  loins,  came  forth  and  stood 

In  the  mid  space,  and  there  with  vigorous  arms    s75 

They  clasped  each  other,  locked  like  rafters  framed 

By  some  wise  builder  for  the  lofty  roof 

Of  a  great  mansion  proof  against  the  winds. 

Then    their   backs  creaked   beneath   the   powerful 

strain 

Of  their  strong  hands  ;    the  sweat  ran  down  their 
limbs ;  s»° 

Large  whelks  upon  their  sides  and  shoulders  rose, 
Crimson  with  blood.     Still  eagerly  they  strove 
For  victory  and  the  tripod.     Yet  in  vain 
Ulysses  labored  to  supplant  his  foe, 
And  throw  him  to  the  ground,  and  equally  8s5 

Did  Ajax  strive  in  vain,  for  with  sheer  strength 
Ulysses  foiled  his  efforts.     When  they  saw 
That  the  Greeks  wearied  of  the  spectacle, 
The  mighty  Telamonian  Ajax  said  :  — 

"  Son  of  Laertes,  nobly  born  and  trained  »* 

To  wise  expedients,  lift  me  up,  or  I 
Will  lift  up  thee  ;  and  leave  the  rest  to  Jove." 

He  spake,  and  raised  Ulysses  from  the  ground, 
Who  dealt,  with  ready  stratagem,  a  blow 
Upon  the  ham  of  Ajax,  and  the  limb  895 

Gave  way  ;  the  hero  fell  upon  his  back, 
And  on  his  breast  Ulysses,  while  the  host 
Stood  wondering  and  amazed.     Ulysses  strove, 
In  turn,  to  lift  his  rival,  but  prevailed 


Hook  XX IIL  313 

Only  to  move  him  from  his  place  ;  he  caught         90" 
The  knee  of  Ajax  in  his  own,  and  both 
Came  to  the  ground  together,  soiled  with  dust. 
They  rose  to  wrestle  still,  but  from  his  seat 
Achilles  started,  and  forbade  them  thus  :  — 

"  Contend  no  longer,  nor  exhaust  your  strength  w 
With  struggling  ;  there  is  victory  for  both, 
And  equal  prizes.     Now  depart,  and  leave 
The  field  of  contest  to  the  other  Greeks." 

He  spake  :  they  listened  and  obeyed,  and  wiped 
The  dust  away,  and  put  their  garments  on.  910 

And  then  the  son  of  Peleus  placed  in  sight 
Prizes  of  swiftness,  —  a  wrought  silver  cup 
That  held  six  measures,  and  in  beauty  far 
Excelled  all  others  known  ;  the  cunning  hands 
Of  the  Sidonian  artisans  had  given  9i5 

Its  graceful  shape,  and  over  the  dark  sea 
Men  of  Phoenicia  brought  it,  with  their  wares, 
To  the  Greek  harbors  ;  they  bestowed  it  there 
On  Thoas.     Afterward  Euneiis,  son 
Of  Jason,  gave  it  to  the  hero-chief,  9*° 

Patroclus,  to  redeem  a  captive  friend, 
Lycaon,  Priam's  son.      Achilles  now 
Brought  it  before  the  assembly  as  a  prize, 
For  which,  in  honor  of  the  friend  he  loved, 
The  swiftest  runners  of  the  host  should  strive.       s«5 
Next,  for  the  second  in  the  race,  he  showed 
A  noble  falling  ox ;  and  for  the  last, 
Gold,  half  a  talent.     Then  he  stood  and  said 

VOL.    II.  14 


314  The  Iliad. 

To  the  Achaians  :  "  Those  who  would  contend 

For  these  rewards,  rise  up."     And  then  arose        9* 

Oilcan  Ajax,  fleet  of  foot ;  and  next 

Ulysses  the  sagacious  ;  last  upstood 

Antilochus,  the  son  of  Nestor,  known 

As  swiftest  of  xhe  youths.      In  due  array 

They  stood  ;  Achilles  showed  the  goal.     At  once  935 

Forward  they  sprang.     Oilcan  Ajax  soon 

Gained  on  the  rest,  but  close  behind  him  ran 

The  great  Ulysses.     As  a  shapely  maid 

Flinging  the  shuttle  draws  with  careful  hand 

The  thread  that  fills  the  warp,  and  so  brings  near  94° 

The  shuttle  to  her  bosom,  just  so  near 

To  Ajax  ran  Ulysses,  in  the  prints 

Made  by  his  rival's  feet,  before  the  dust 

Fell  back  upon  them.     As  he  ran,  his  breath 

Smote  on  the  head  of  Ajax.     All  the  Greeks         945 

Shouted  applause  to  him,  encouraging 

His  ardor  for  the  victory  ;  but  when  now 

They  neared  the  goal,  Ulysses  silently 

Prayed  thus  to  Pallas  :  "  Goddess,  hear  my  prayer, 

And  help  these  feet  to  win.''     The  goddess  heard, 

And  lightened  all  his  limbs,  his  feet,  his  hands  ;  95' 

And  just  as  they  were  rushing  on  the  prize, 

Ajax,  in  running,  slipped  and  fell  —  the  work 

Of  Pallas  —  where  in  heaps  the  refuse  lay 

From  entrails  of  the  bellowing  oxen  slain  955 

In  honor  of  Patroclus  by  the  hand 

Of  swift  Achilles.     Mouth  and  nostrils  both 


Book  XXII I.  315 

Were  choked  with  filth.     The  much-enduring  man 

Ulysses,  coming  first,  received  the  cup, 

While  Ajax  took  the  ox,  and  as  he  stood  960 

Holding  the  animal's  horn  and  spitting  forth 

The  dirt,  he  said  to  those  around  :  "  T  is  plain 

The  goddess  caused  my  feet  to  slide ;  she  aids 

Ulysses  like  a  mother."     So  he  said, 

And  the  Greeks  laughed.     And  then  Antilochus   9«s 

Received  the  third  reward,  and  with  a  smile 

Said  to  the  Greeks  :  "  I  tell  you  all,  my  friends, 

What  you  must  know  already,  that  the  gods 

Honor  the  aged  ever.     Ajax  stands 

Somewhat  in  years  above  me,  but  this  chief          9-° 

Who  takes  the  prize  is  of  a  former  age 

And  earlier  race  of  men  ;  they  call  him  old, 

But  hard  it  were  for  atiy  Greek  to  vie 

With  him  in  swiftness,  save  Achilles  here." 

Such  praise  he  gave  Pelides,  fleet  of  foot,  975 

Who  answered  :  "Thy  good  word,  Antilochus, 
Shall  not  be  vainly  spoken.     I  will  add 
Vet  half  a  talent  to  thy  gold."     He  said, 
And  gave  the  gold  ;  Antilochus,  well  pleased, 
Received  it.     Then  Pelides  brought  a  spear 
Of  ponderous  length  into  the  middle  space, 
And  laid  it  down,  and  placed  a  buckler  near 
And  helmet,  which  had  been  Sarpedon's  arms, 
And  which  Patroclus  won  of  him  in  war. 
Then  stood  Achilles  and  addressed  the  Greeks  :  — 

"  I  call  on  two,  the  bravest  of  the  host,  <&> 


316  The  Iliad. 

To  arm  themselves  and  take  their  spears  in  hand, 

And  in  a  contest  for  these  weapons  put 

Each  other  to  the  proof.      Whoever  first 

Shall  wound  his  adversary,  piercing  through          w 

The  armor  to  the  delicate  skin  beneath, 

And  draw  the  crimson  blood,  to  him  I  give 

This  beautiful  sword  of  Thrace,  with  silver  studs, 

Won  from  Asteropasus.     And  let  both 

Bear  off  these  arms,  a  common  gift,  and  both        99; 

Shall  sit  and  banquet  nobly  in  my  tent." 

He  spake,  and  Telamonian  Ajax  rose, 
The  large  of  limb  ;  Tydides  Diomed, 
The  strong,  rose  also.     When  they  had  put  on 
Their  arms  apart  from  all  the  host,  they  came,     10* 
All  eager  for  the  combat,  to  the  lists, 
And  fearful  was  their  aspect.   *  All  the  Greeks 
Looked  on  with  dread  and  wonder,  and  when  now 
Stood  face  to  face  the  warriors,  thrice  they  rushed 
Against  each  other  ;  thrice  they  dealt  their  blows.  100= 
Then  Ajax  thrust  through  Diomed's  round  shield 
His  weapon,  but  it  wounded  not ;  the  mail 
Beyond  it  stopped  the  stroke.     Tydides  aimed 
Over  his  adversary's  mighty  shield 
A  blow  to  reach  his  neck.     The  Greeks,  alarmed  toio 
For  Ajax,  shouted  that  the  strife  should  cease, 
And  both  divide  the  prize.     Achilles  heard, 
But  gave  to  Diomed  the  ponderous  sword, 
Its  sheath,  and  the  fair  belt  from  which  it  hung. 

Again  Pelides  placed  before  the  host  "»5 


Book  XXI II.  317 

A  mass  of  iron,  shapeless  from  the  forge, 

Which  once  the  strong  Eetion  used  to  hurl ; 

But  swift  Achilles,  when  he  took  his  life, 

Brought  it  with  other  booty  in  his  ships 

To  Troas.     Rising,  he  addressed  the  Greeks  :  —  1000 

"  Stand  forth,  whoever  will  contend  for  this, 
And  if  broad  fields  and  rich  be  his,  this  mass 
Will  last  him  many  years.     The  man  who  tends 
His  flocks,  or  guides  his  plough,  need  not  be  sent 
To  town  for  iron  ;  he  will  have  it  here."  1025 

He  spake,  and  warlike  Polypcetes  rose. 
Uprose  the  strong  Leonteus,  who  in  form 
Was  like  a  god.     The  son  of  Telamon 
Rose  also,  and  Epeius  nobly  born  ; 
Each  took  his  place.     Epeius  seized  the  mass,     WBO 
And  sent  it  whirling.     All  the  Achaians  laughed. 
The  loved  of  Mars,  Leonteus,  flung  it  next, 
And  after  him  the  son  of  Telamon, 
The  large-limbed  Ajax,  from  his  vigorous  arm 
Sent  it  beyond  the  mark  of  both.     But  when        1035 
The  sturdy  warrior  Polypcetes  took 
The  mass  in  hand,  as  far  as  o'er  his  beeves 
A  herdsman  sends  his  whirling  staff,  so  far 
This  cast  outdid  the  rest.     A  shout  arose  ; 
The  friends  of  sturdy  Polypcetes  took  1040 

The  prize,  and  bore  it  to  the  hollow  ships. 

Achilles  for  the  archers  brought  forth  steel, 
Tempered  for  arrow-heads,  —  ten  axes,  each 
With  double  edge,  and  single  axes  ten,  — 


3i8  The  Iliad. 

And  from  a  galley's  azure  prow  took  off  1045 

A  mast,  and  reared  it  on  the  sands  afar, 

And,  tying  to  its  summit  by  the  foot 

A  timorous  dove,  he  bade  them  aim  at  her : 

"  Whoever  strikes  the  bird  shall  bear  away 

The  double  axes  to  his  tent ;  while  he  1050 

Who  hits  the  cord,  but  not  the  bird,  shall  take 

The  single  axes,  as  the  humbler  prize." 

He  ceased,  and  then  arose  the  stalwart  king, 
Teucer  ;  then  also  rose  Meriones, 
The  valiant  comrade  of  Idomeneus.  *°ss 

The  lots  were  shaken  in  a  brazen  helm, 
And  Teucer's  lot  was  first.     He  straightway  sent 
A  shaft  with  all  his  strength,  but  made  no  vow 
Of  a  choice  hecatomb  of  firstling  lambs 
To  Phoebus,  monarch-god.     He  missed  the  bird,  io<5» 
Such  was  the  will  of  Phoebus,  but  he  struck, 
Close  to  her  foot,  the  cord  that  made  her  fast. 
The  keen  shaft  severed  it ;  the  dove  flew  up 
Into  the  heavens  ;  the  fillet  dropped  to  earth 
Amid  the  loud  applauses  of  the  Greeks.  1065 

And  then  Meriones  made  haste  to  take 
The  bow  from  Teucer's  hand.     Long  time  he  held 
The  arrow  aimed,  the  while  he  made  a  vow 
To  Phoebus,  the  great  archer,  promising 
A  chosen  hecatomb  of  firstling  lambs  ;  1070 

Then,  looking  toward  the  dove,  as  high  in  air 
She  wheeled  beneath  the  clouds,  he  pierced  her 
breast 


Book  XX HI.  319 

Beneath  fhe  wing ;  the  shaft  went  through  and  fell, 

Fixed  in  the  ground,  beside  Meriones, 

While  the  bird  settled  on  the  galley's  mast  1075 

With  drooping  head  and  open  wings.     The  breath 

Forsook  her  soon,  and  down  from  that  high  perch 

She  fell  to  earth.     The  people  all  looked  on, 

Admiring  and  amazed.     Meriones 

Took  up  the  double  axes  as  his  prize,  1080 

While  Teucer  bore  the  others  to  the  fleet. 

And  then  Pelides  brought  into  the  midst 
A  ponderous  spear,  and  laid  a  caldron  down 
Which  never  felt  the  fire,  inwrought  with  flowers, 
Its  price  an  ox.     And  then  the  spearmen  rose.    1085 
Atrides  Agamemnon,  nighty  king, 
First  rose,  and  after  him  Meriones, 
The  brave  companion  of  Idomeneus  ; 
And  thus  to  both  the  swift  Achilles  said  :  — 

"  O  son  of  Atreus,  for  we  know  how  far  1030 

Thou  dost  excel  all  others,  and  dost  cast 
The  spear  with  passing  strength  and  skill,  bear  thou 
This  prize,  as  victor,  to  the  roomy  ships, 
And  if  it  please  thee,  let  us,  as  I  wish, 
Give  to  our  brave  Meriones  the  spear."  1095 

He  spake,  and  Agamemnon,  king  of  men, 
Complied,  and  gave  Meriones  in  hand 
The  brazen  spear,  while  to  Talthybius, 
The  herald,  he  consigned  the  greater  p:\yf 


320  The  Iliad. 


BOOK    XXIV. 

THE'  assembly  was  dissolved,  the  people  all 
Dispersed  to  their  swift  galleys,  and  prepared 
With  food  and  gentle  slumber  to  refresh 
Their  wearied  frames.     But  still  Achilles  wept, 
Remembering   his   dear  comrade.       Sleep,  whose 
sway  s 

Is  over  all,  came  not ;  he  turned  and  tossed, 
Still  yearning  for  his  strong  and  valiant  friend 
Patroclus.     All  that  they  had  ever  done 
Together,  all  the  hardships  they  had  borne, 
The  battles  fought  with  heroes,  the  wild  seas          « 
O'erpassed,  came  thronging  on  his  memory. 
He  shed  warm  tears,  as  now  upon  his  sides, 
Now  on  his  back,  now  on  his  face  he  lay. 
Then,  starting  from  his  couch,  he  wandered  forth 
In  sorrow  by  the  margin  of  the  deep.  15 

Nor  did  the  morn  that  rose  o'er  sea  and  shore 
Dawn  unperceived  by  him  ;  for  then  he  yoked 
His  fleet  steeds  to  the  chariot,  and  made  fast 
The  corse  of  Hector,  that  it  might  be  dragged 
After  the  wheels.     Three  times  around  the  tomb  a 
Of  Mencetiacles  he  dragged  the  slain, 
Then  turned  and  sought  his  tent,  again  to  rest, 
And  left  him  there  stretched  out  amid  the  dust 
With  the  face  downward.     Yet  Apollo,  moved 


Book  XXIV.  321 

With  pity  for  the  hero,  kept  him  free 
From  soil  or  stain,  though  dead,  and  o'er  him  held 
The  golden  aegis,  lest,  when  roughly  dragged 
Along  the  ground,  the  body  might  be  torn. 

So  in  his  anger  did  Achilles  treat 
Unworthily  the  noble  Hector's  corse.  y 

The  blessed  gods  themselves  with  pity  looked 
Upon  the  slain,  and  bade  the  vigilant  one, 
The  Argus-queller,  bear  him  thence  by  stealth. 
This  counsel  pleased  the  immortals  all,  except 
Juno  and  Neptune  and  the  blue-eyed  maid,  » 

And  these  persisted  in  their  wrath.     To  them 
Ilium,  the  hallowed  city,  and  its  king, 
Priam,  and  all  his  people,  from  the  first 
Were  hateful ;  't  was  for  Alexander's  fault, 
Affronting  the  two  goddesses  what  time  40 

They  sought  his  cottage,  and  preferring  her 
Who  ministered  to  his  calamitous  love. 
But  now,  when  the  twelfth  morning  from  that  day 
Arose,  Apollo  spake  among  the  gods  :  — 

"  Cruel  are  ye,  O  gods,  and  prone  to  wrong.       AS 
For  was  not  Hector  wont  before  your  shrines 
To  burn  the  thighs  of  chosen  bulls  and  goats? 
And  now  that  he  is  dead  ye  venture  not 
To  rescue  him,  and  let  his  wife  and  son 
And  mother  and  King  Priam  look  again  5° 

Upon  his  face.     Soon  would  they  light  the  pile, 
And  burn  the  dead,  and  pay  the  funeral  rite. 
Ve  seek  to  favor,  O  ye  gods,  that  pest 

14*  u 


322  1'lic  Iliad. 

Achilles,  in  whose  breast  there  dwells  no  love 

Of  justice,  nor  a  temper  to  be  moved  55 

By  prayers,  but  who  delights  in  savage  deeds. 

And  as  a  lion,  conscious  of  vast  strength 

And  scornful  of  resistance,  falls  upon 

The  shepherd's  flock,  and  slays  for  his  repast, 

Thus  with  Achilles  neither  mercy  dwells  eo 

Nor  shame,  which  often  profits,  often  harms 

Mankind.     For  when  another  man  has  met 

A  greater  grief  than  he,  —  has  lost,  perchance, 

A  brother  or  a  son,  —  he  dries  at  length 

His  tears,  and  ceases  to  lament ;  for  fate  <* 

Bestows  the  power  to  suffer  patiently. 

But  this  Achilles,  after  he  has  spoiled 

The  godlike  Hector  of  his  life  in  war, 

Hath  bound  him  to  his  chariot,  and  hath  dragged 

The  corse  around  his  dear  companion's  tomb.        70 

Unseemly  is  the  deed,  and  small  will  be 

The  good  it  brings  him.      Brave  although  he  be. 

We  may  be  angry  with  him  when  he  thus 

Insults  a  portion  of  insensible  earth." 

The  white-armed  Juno  was  incensed,  and  spake  : 
"So  mightst  thou  say,  God  of  the  silver  bow,         76 
Were  equal  honor  to  Achilles  due 
And  Hector.     Hector  is  a  mortal  man, 
And  suckled  at  a  woman's  breast.     Not  so 
Achilles  ;  he  was  born  of  one  of  us,  «« 

A  goddess  whom  I  nurtured  and  brought  up 
And  gave  to  Peleus.     Ye  were  present  all, 


Book  XXIV.  323 

Ye  gods,  when  they  were  wedded.     Thou  wert  there 
To  share  the  marriage  banquet,  harp  in  hand, 
Thou  plotter  with  the  vile,  thou  faithless  one  ! "     as 

Then  answered  cloud-compelling  Jove,  and  said  : 
"  Let  not  thy  anger  rise  against  the  gods, 
O  Juno,  for  the  honor  of  the  chiefs 
Shall  not  be  equal.     Yet  of  all  the  race 
Of  mortals  dwelling  in  the  city  of  Troy  90 

Was  Hector  dearest  to  the  gods  ;  to  me 
He  ever  was  ;  and  never  did  he  fail 
To  offer  welcome  gifts.     My  altar  ne'er 
Lacked  fitting  feast,  libation,  and  the  fume 
Of  incense,  —  hallowed  rites  which  are  our  due.     95 
Yet  seek  we  not  to  steal  away  the  corse 
Of  valiant  Hector  ;  that  we  could  not  do 
Without  his  slayer's  knowledge,  who  by  night 
And  day  is  ever  near  to  him  and  keeps 
Watch  o'er  him  like  a  mother.     Let  some  god       i°o 
Call  hither  Thetis.      I  will  counsel  her 
Prudently,  that  Achilles  may  receive 
Ransom  from  Priam,  and  restore  his  son." 

He  ceased,  and  with  the  swiftness  of  the  storm 
Rose  Iris  up,  to  be  his  messenger.  105 

Halfway  'twixt  Samos  and  the  rugged  coast 
Of  Imbrus  down  she  plunged  to  the  dark  sea, 
Entering  the  deep  with  noise.     Far  down  she  sank 
As  sinks  the  ball  of  lead,  that,  sliding  o'er 
A  wild  bull's  horn,  bears  into  ocean's  depths         »° 
Death  to  the  greedy  fishes.     There  she  found 


324  TJic  Iliad. 

Thetis  within  her  roomy  cave,  among 

The  goddesses  of  ocean,  seated  round 

In  full  assembly.     Thetis  in  the  midst 

Bewailed  the  fate  of  her  own  blameless  son,          115 

About  to  perish  on  the  fertile  soil 

Of  Troy,  and  far  from  Greece.     The  swift  of  wing, 

Iris,  approached  her  and  addressed  her  thus  :  — 

"  Arise,  O  Thetis.     Father  Jupiter, 
Whose  counsel  stands  forever,  sends  for  thee."      '*> 

And  silver-footed  Thetis  answered  him  : 
"  Why  should  that  potent  deity  require 
My  presence,  who  have  many  griefs,  and  shrink 
From  mingling  with  immortals  ?     Yet  I  go, 
Perforce,  for  never  doth  he  speak  in  vain."  *?s 

So  spake  the  goddess-queen,  and,  speaking,  took 
Her  mantle,  —  darker  web  was  never  worn,  — 
And  onward  went.     Wind-footed  Iris  led 
The  way  ;  the  waters  of  the  sea  withdrew 
On  either  side.     They  climbed  the  steepy  shore,  130 
And  took  their  way  to  heaven.     They  found  the  son 
Of  Saturn,  him  of  the  far-sounding  voice, 
With  all  the  blessed,  ever-living  gods 
Assembled  round  him.     Close  to  Father  Jove 
She  took  her  seat,  for  Pallas  yielded  it,  135 

And  Juno  put  a  beautiful  cup  of  gold 
Into  her  hand,  and  spake  consoling  words. 
She  drank  and  gave  it  back,  and  thus  began 
The  father  of  immortals  and  of  men  :  — 

"  Thou  comest  to  Olympus,  though  in  grief,       140 


Book  XXIV.  325 

O  goddess  Thetis,  and  I  know  the  cause 

That  makes  thee  sad  and  will  not  from  thy  thoughts  ; 

Yet  let  me  now  declare  why  I  have  called 

Thee  hither.     For  nine  days  the  immortal  gods 

Have  been  at  strife  concerning  Hector's  corse       145 

And  Peleus'  son,  the  spoiler.     They  have  asked 

The  vigilant  Argus-queller  to  remove 

The  dead  by  stealth.     But  I  must  yet  bestow 

Fresh  honor  on  Achilles,  and  thus  keep 

Thy  love  and  reverence.     Now  descend  at  once   15° 

Into  the  camp  and  carry  to  thy  son 

My  message  :  say  that  it  offends  the  gods, 

And  me  the  most,  that  in  his  spite  he  keeps 

The  corse  of  Hector  at  the  beaked  ships, 

Refusing  to  restore  it.     He  perchance  155 

Will  listen,  and,  revering  me,  give  back 

The  slain.     And  I  will  send  a  messenger, 

Iris,  to  large-souled  Priam,  bidding  him 

Hasten  in  person  to  the  Grecian  fleet, 

To  ransom  his  beloved  son,  and  bring  «6o 

Achilles  gifts  that  shall  appease  his  rage." 

He  spake  :  the  goddess  of  the  silver  feet, 
Thetis,  obeyed,  and  with  precipitate  flight 
Descended  from  the  mountain-peaks.     She  came 
To  her  son's  tent,  and  found  him  uttering  moans  -65 
Continually,  while  his  beloved  friends 
Were  busy  round  him  ;  they  prepared  a  feast, 
And  had  just  slain  within  the  tent  a  ewe 
Of  ample  size  and  fleece.     She  took  her  seat        **> 


326  The  Iliad. 

Beside  her  son,  and  smoothed  his  brow,  and  said  :  — 

"  How  long,  my  son,  wilt  thou  lament  and  grieve 
And  pine  at  heart,  abstaining  from  the  feast 
And  from  thy  couch  ?     Yet  well  it  is  to  seek 
A  woman's  love.     Thy  life  will  not  be  spared 
Long  time  to  me,  for  death  and  cruel  fate  175 

Stand  near  thee.     Listen  to  me  ;  I  am  come 
A  messenger  from  Jove,  who  bids  me  say 
The  immortals  are  offended,  and  himself 
The  most,  that  thou  shouldst  in  thy  spite  detain 
The  corse  of  Hector  at  the  beaked  ships, 
Refusing  its  release.     Comply  thou  then, 
And  take  the  ransom  and  restore  the  dead." 

And  thus  Achilles,  swift  of  foot,  replied  : 
"  Let  him  who  brings  the  ransom  come  and  take 
The  body,  if  it  be  the  will  of  Jove."  185 

Thus  did  the  mother  and  the  son  confer 
Among  the  galleys,  and  between  them  passed 
Full  many  a  winged  word,  while  Saturn's  son 
Bade  Iris  go  with  speed  to  sacred  Troy  :  — 

"  Fleet   Iris,   haste  thee.      Leave  the  Olympian 
seats ,  '<*> 

And  send  magnanimous  Priam  to  the  fleet, 
To  ransom  his  dear  son,  and  bear  him  back 
To  Ilium.     Let  him  carry  gifts  to  calm 
The  anger  of  Achilles.     He  should  go 
Alone,  no  Trojan  with  him,  save  a  man  195 

In  years,  a  herald,  who  may  guide  the  mules 
And  strong-wheeled  chariot,  harnessed  to  bear  back 


Book  XXIV.  327 

Him  whom  the  great  Achilles  has  o'erthrown  ; 

And  let  him  fear  not  death  nor  other  harm, 

For  we  will  send  a  guide  to  lead  him  safe,  we 

The  Argus-queller,  till  he  stand  beside 

Achilles  ;  and  when  once  he  comes  within 

The  warrior's  tent,  Achilles  will  not  raise 

His  hand  to  slay,  but  will  restrain  the  rest. 

Nor  mad,  nor  rash,  nor  criminal  is  he,  =°5 

And  will  humanely  spare  a  suppliant  man." 

He  spake,  and  Iris,  the  swift  messenger, 
Whose  feet  are  like  the  wind,  went  forth  with  speed, 
And  came  to  Priam's  palace,  where  she  found 
Sorrow  and  wailing.     Round  the  father  sat  =>» 

His  sons  within  the  hall,  and  steeped  with  tears 
Their  garments.     In  the  midst  the  aged  man 
Sat  with  a  cloak  wrapped  round  him,  and  much  dust 
Strewn  on  his  head  and  neck,  which,  when  he  rolled 
Upon  the  earth,  he  gathered  with  his  hands.          ^s 
His  daughters  and  the  consorts  of  his  sons 
Filled  with  their  cries  the  mansion,  sorrowing 
F'or  those,  the  many  and  brave,  who  now  lay  slain 
By  Grecian  hands.     The  ambassadress  of  Jove 
Stood  beside  Priam,  and  in  soft,  low  tones, 
While  his  limbs  shook   with  fear,   addressed  him 
thus  :  — 

"  Be  comforted,  and  have  no  fear  ;  for  I 
Am  come,  Dardanian  Priam,  not  to  bring 
Mischief,  but  blessing.  I  am  sent  to  thee 
A  messenger  from  Jove,  who,  though  afar,  «s 


328  The  Iliad. 

Pities  thee  and  will  aid  thee.     He  who  rules 

Olympus  bids  thee  ransom  thy  slain  son, 

The  noble  Hector,  carrying  gifts  to  calm 

The  anger  of  Achilles.     Thou  shouldst  go 

Alone,  no  Trojan  with  thee,  save  a  man  ^ 

In  years,  a  herald,  who  shall  guide  the  mules 

And  strong-wheeled  chariot,  harnessed  to  bring  back 

Him  whom  the  great  Achilles  has  o'erthrown. 

And  have  no  fear  of  death  or  other  harm  ; 

A  guide  shall  go  with  thee  to  lead  thee  safe,          235 

The  Argus-queller,  till  thou  stand  beside 

Achilles,  and  when  once  thou  art  within 

The  warrior's  tent,  Achilles  will  not  raise 

His  hand  to  slay,  but  will  restrain  the  rest. 

He  is  not  mad,  nor  rash,  nor  prone  to  crime,         24° 

And  will  humanely  spare  a  suppliant  man." 

Thus  the  swift-footed  Iris  spake,  and  then 
Departed.     Priam  bade  his  sons  prepare 
The  strong-wheeled  chariot,  drawn  by  mules,  and 

bind 

A  coffer  on  it.     He  descended  next  245 

Into  a  fragrant  chamber,  cedar-lined, 
High-roofed,  and  stored  with  many  things  of  price, 
And  calling  Hecuba,  his  wife,  he  said  :-— 

"  Dear  wife,  a  message  from  Olympian  Jove 
Commands  that  I  betake  me  to  the  fleet,  250 

And  thence  redeem  my  slaughtered  son  with  gifts 
That  may  appease  Achilles.     Tell  me  now 
How  this  may  seem  to  thee  ?  for  I  am  moved 


Book  XXIV.  329 

By  a  strong  impulse  to  approach  the  ships, 

And  venture  into  the  great  Grecian  camp."  255 

He  spake  :  his  consort  wept,  and  answered  thus  : 
"  Ah  me  !  the  prudence  which  was  once  so  praised 
By  strangers  and  by  those  who  own  thy  sway, 
Where  is  it  now  ?     Why  wouldst  thou  go  alone 
To  the  Greek  fleet,  to  meet  the  eye  of  him  -^ 

Who  slew  so  many  of  thy  gallant  sons? 
An  iron  heart  is  thine.     If  that  false  man, 
Remorseless  as  he  is,  should  see  thee  there 
And  seize  thee,  neither  pity  nor  respect 
Hast  thou  to  hope  from  him.     Let  us  lament        =65 
Our  Hector  in  these  halls.     A  cruel  fate 
Spun,  when  I  brought  him  forth,  his  thread  of  life,  — 
That  far  from  us  his  corse  should  feed  the  hounds 
Near  that  fierce  man,  whose  liver  I  could  tear 
From  out  his  bosom.     Then  the  indignities  27° 

Done  to  my  son  would  be  repaid,  for  he 
Was  slain,  not  shunning  combat,  coward-like, 
But  fighting  to  defend  the  men  of  Troy 
And  the  deep-bosomed  Trojan  dames.     He  fell 
Without  a  thought  of  flight  or  of  retreat."  275 

And  thus  the  aged,  godlike  king  rejoined  : 
"  Keep  me  not  back  from  going,  nor  be  thou 
A  bird  of  evil  omen  in  these  halls, 
For  thou  shalt  not  persuade  me.     This  I  say: 
If  any  of  the  dwellers  of  the  earth,  280 

Soothsayer,  seer,  or  priest,  had  said  to  me 
What  I  have  heard,  I  well  might  deem  the  words 


330  The  Iliad. 

A  lie,  and  heed  them  not.     But  since  I  heard 

Myself  the  mandate  from  a  deity, 

And  saw  her  face  to  face,  I  certainly 

Will  go,  nor  shall  the  message  be  in  vain. 

And  should  it  be  my  fate  to  perish  there 

Beside  the  galleys  of  the  mail-clad  Greeks, 

So  be  it ;  for  Achilles  will  forthwith 

Put  me  to  death  embracing  my  poor  son,  290 

And  satisfying  my  desire  to  weep." 

He  spake,  and,  raising  the  fair  coffer-lids, 
Took  out  twelve  robes  of  state  most  beautiful, 
Twelve  single  cloaks,  as  many  tapestried  mats, 
And  tunics  next  and  mantles  twelve  of  each, 
And  ten  whole  talents  of  pure  gold,  which  first 
He  weighed.     Two  burnished  tripods  from  his  store 
He  added,  and  four  goblets  and  a  cup 
Of  eminent  beauty,  which  the  men  of  Thrace 
Gave  him  when,  as  an  envoy  to  their  coast, 
He  came  from  Troy,  —  a  sumptuous  gift,  and  yet 
The  aged  king  reserved  not  even  this 
To  deck  his  palace,  such  was  his  desire 
To  ransom  his  dear  son.     And  then  he  drave 
Away  the  Trojans  hovering  round  his  porch, 
Rebuking  them  with  sharp  and  bitter  words  :  — 

"  Hence  with  you,  worthless  wretches  !    have  ye 

not 

Sorrow  enough  at  home,  that  ye  are  come 
To  vex  me  thus  ?  Or  doth  it  seem  to  you 
Of  little  moment,  that  Saturnian  Jove  s» 


nook  xxiv. 


33* 


Hath  sent  such  grief  upon  me  in  the  loss 

Of  my  most  valiant  son  ?     Ye  yet  will  know 

How  great  that  loss  has  been  ;  for  it  will  be 

A  lighter  task  for  the  beleaguering  Greeks 

To  work  our  ruin,  now  that  he  is  dead.  315 

But  I  shall  sink  to  Hades  ere  mine  eyes 

Behold  the  city  sacked  and  made  a  spoil." 

He  spake,  and  with  his  staff  he  chased  away 
The  loiterers  ;  forth  before  the  aged  man 
They  went.     With  like  harsh  words  he  chid  his  sons. 
Helenus,  Paris,  noble  Agathon,  321 

Pammon,  Antiphonus,  Deiphobus, 
Polites,  great  in  war,  Hippothoiis, 
And  gallant  Dios,  nine  in  all  he  called, 
And  thus  bespake  them  with  reproachful  words  :  — 

"  Make  haste,  ye  idle  fellows,  my  disgrace  !        & 
Would  ye  had  all  been  slain  beside  the  fleet 
Instead  of  Hector  !     Woe  is  me  !  the  most 
Unhappy  of  mankind  am  I,  who  had 
The  bravest  sons  in  all  the  to\vn  of  Troy,  330 

And  none  of  them,  I  think,  are  left  to  me. 
Mestor,  divine  in  presence,  Troi'lus, 
The  gallant  knight,  and  Hector,  he  who  looked 
A  god  among  his  countrymen,  —  no  son 
Of  man  he  seemed,  but  of  immortal  birth,  —         335 
Those  Mars  has  slain,  but  these  who  are  my  shame 
Remain,  —  these  liars,  dancers,  excellent 
In  choirs,  whose  trade  is  public  robbery 
Of  lambs  and  kids.     Why  haste  ye  not  to  get 


332  The  Iliad. 

My  chariot  ready,  and  bestow  these  things  340 

Within  it,  that  my  journey  may  begin  ?" 

He  spake,  and  they,  in  fear  of  his  rebuke, 
Lifted  from  out  its  place  the  strong-wheeled  car, 
Framed  to  be  drawn  by  mules,  and  beautiful, 
And  newly  built,  and  on  it  they  made  fast  345 

The  coffer.  From  its  pin  they  next  took  down 
The  boxwood  mule-yoke,  fitted  well  with  rings, 
And  carved  with  a  smooth  boss.  With  this  they 

brought 

A  yoke-band  nine  ells  long,  which  carefully 
Adjusting  to  the  polished  pole's  far  end,  350 

They  cast  the  ring  upon  the  bolt,  and  thrice 
Wound  the  long  band  on  each  side  of  the  bolt 
Around  the  yoke,  and  made  it  fast,  and  turned 
The  loose  ends  under.     Then  they  carried  forth 
The  treasures  that  should  ransom  Hector's  corse  ;  355 
And  having  piled  them  in  the  polished  car, 
They  yoked  the  hardy,  strong-hoofed  mules  which 

once 

The  Mysians  gave  to  Priam,  princely  gifts. 
To  bear  the  yoke  of  Priam  they  led  forth 
The  horses  which  the  aged  man  himself  3<*> 

Fed  at  the  polished  manger.     These  the  king 
Yoked,  aided  by  the  herald,  while  in  mind, 
Within  the  palace  court,  they  both  revolved 
Their  prudent  counsels.     Hecuba,  the  queen, 
Came  to  them  in  deep  sorrow.     In  her  hand         365 
She  bore  a  golden  cup  of  delicate  wine, 


Book  A'A'//".  333 

That  they  might  make  libations  and  depart. 

She  stood  before  the  steeds,  and  thus  she  spake  :  — 

"  Take  this,  and  pour  to  Father  Jove,  and  pray 
That  thou  mayst  safely  leave  the  enemy's  camp     370 
For  home,  since  't  is  thy  will,  though  I  dissuade, 
To  go  among  the  ships.     Implore  thou  then 
The  god  of  Ida  and  the  gatherer 
Of  the  black  tempest,  Saturn's  son,  who  looks 
Down  on  all  Troy,  to  send  his  messenger,  375 

His  swift  and  favorite  bird,  of  matchless  strength, 
On  thy  right  hand,  that,  with  thine  eye  on  him, 
Thou  mayst  with  courage  journey  to  the  ships 
Of  the  Greek  horsemen.     But  if  Jupiter 
All-seeing  should  withhold  his  messenger,  380 

1  cannot  bid  thee,  eager  as  thou  art, 
Adventure  near  the  galleys  of  the  Greeks." 

And  thus  the  godlike  Priam  made  reply : 
"  Dear  wife,  indeed,  I  will  not  disobey 
Thy  counsel ;  meet  it  is  to  raise  our  hands  335 

To  Jove,  and  ask  him  to  be  merciful." 

He  spake,  and  bade  the  attendant  handmaid  pour 
Pure  water  on  his  hands,  for  near  him  stood 
A  maid  who  came  and  held  a  basin  forth 
And  ewer.     When  his  hands  were  washed,  he  took 
The  goblet  from  the  queen,  and  then,  in  prayer,    y>* 
Stood  in  the  middle  of  the  court,  and  poured 
The  wine,  and,  looking  heavenward,  spake  aloud  :  — 

"  O  Father  Jove,  most  glorious  and  most  great, 
Who  rulest  all  from  Ida,  let  me  find  395 


334 

Favor  and  pity  with  Achilles.     Send 

A  messenger,  thy  own  swift,  favorite  bird, 

Of  matchless  strength,  on  my  right  hand,  that  I, 

Beholding  him,  may  confidently  pass 

To  where  the  fleet  of  the  Greek  horsemen  lies  !  "  400 

Thus  in  his  prayer  he  spake,  and  Jupiter, 
The  All-disposer,  hearkened,  and  sent  forth 
An  eagle,  bird  of  surest  augury, 
Named  the  Black  Chaser,  and  by  others  called 
Percnos,  with  wings  as  broad  as  is  the  door  405 

Skilfully  fashioned  for  the  lofty  hall 
Of  some  rich  man,  and  fastened  with  a  bolt. 
Such  ample  wings  he  spread  on  either  side 
As  townward  on  the  right  they  saw  him  fly. 
They  saw  and  they  rejoiced  ;  their  hearts  grew  light 
Within  their  bosoms.     Then  the  aged  king  4» 

Hastened  to  mount  the  polished  car,  and  drave 
Through  vestibule  and  echoing  porch.     The  mules, 
Harnessed  to  draw  the  four-wheeled  car,  went  first, 
Driven  by  the  sage  Idoeus  ;  after  them,  415 

The  horses,  urged  by  Priam  with  the  lash 
Rapidly  through  the  city.     All  his  friends 
Followed  lamenting,  as  for  one  who  went 
To  meet  his  death.    And  now  when  they  had  reached 
The  plain  descending  from  the  town,  the  sons      4* 
And  sons-in-law  of  Priam  all  returned 
To  Ilium,  and  the  twain  proceeded  on, 
Yet  not  unmarked  by  all-beholding  Jove, 
Who,  moved  with  pity  for  the  aged  man, 


Book  XXIV.  335 

Turned  to  his  well-beloved  son  and  said  : —          425 

"Hermes,  who  more  than  any  other  god 
Delightest  to  consort  with  human  kind, 
And  willingly  dost  listen  to  their  prayers, 
Haste,  guide  King  Priam  to  the  Grecian  fleet, 
Yet  so  that  none  may  see  him,  and  no  Greek        430 
Know  of  his  coming,  till  he  stand  before 
Pelides."     Thus  he  spake :  the  messenger 
Who  slew  the  Argus  hearkened  and  obeyed  ; 
And  hastily  beneath  his  feet  he  bound 
The  fair,  ambrosial,  golden  sandals  worn  435 

To  bear  him  over  ocean  like  the  wind, 
And  o'er  the  boundless  land.     His  wand  he  took 
Wherewith  he  seals  in  sleep  the  eyes  of  men, 
And  opens  them  at  will.     With  this  in  hand, 
The  mighty  Argus-queller  flew,  and  soon  440 

Was  at  the  Troad  and  the  Hellespont. 
Like  to  some  royal  stripling  seemed  the  god, 
In  youth's  first  prime,  when  youth  has  most  of  grace. 
And  there  the  Trojans  twain,  when  they  had  passed 
The  tomb  of  Ilus,  halted  with  their  mules  443 

And  horses,  that  the  beasts  might  drink  the  stream; 
For  twilight  now  was  creeping  o'er  the  earth. 
The  herald  looked,  and  saw  that  Mercury 
Was  near,  and  thus,  addressing  Priam,  said:  — 

"Be  on  thy  guard,  O  son  of  Dardanus,  ^° 

For  here  is  cause  for  wariness.     I  see 
A  warrior,  and  I  think  he  seeks  our  lives. 
Now  let  us  urge  our  steeds  and  fly,  or  else 


336  The  Iliad. 

Descend  and  clasp  his  knees,  and  sue  for  grace." 

He  spake,  and  greatly  was  the  aged  king  455 

Bewildered  by  his  words  ;  with  hair  erect 
He  stood,  and  motionless,  w-hile  Mercury 
Drew  near,  and  took  the  old  man's  hand,  and 

asked  :  — 

"Whither,  O  father,  guidest  thou  thy  mules 
And  steeds  in  the  dim  night,  while  others  sleep  ?  460 
Fearest  thou  nothing  from  the  warlike  Greeks, 
Thy  foes,  who  hate  thee,  and  are  near  at  hand  ? 
Should  one  of  them  behold  thee  bearing  off 
These  treasures  in  the  swiftly  darkening  night, 
What  wouldst  thou  do  ?     Thou  art  not  young,  and  he 
Who  comes  with  thee  is  old  ;  ye  could  not  make  &> 
Defence  against  the  foe.     Fear  nought  from  me, 
And  I  will  save  thee,  since  thou  art  so  like 
To  my  own  father,  from  all  other  harm." 

Priam,  the  godlike  ancient,  answered  thus  :        4?° 
"  Thou  sayest  true,  dear  son  ;  but  sure  some  god 
Holds  over  me  his  kind,  protecting  hand, 
Who  sends  a  guide  like  thee  to  join  me  here, 
So  noble  art  thou  both  in  form  and  air, 
And  gracious  are  thy  thoughts,  and  blessed  they  475 
Who  gave  thee  birth."     WTith  that  the  messenger, 
The  Argus-queller,  spake  again,  and  said  : 
"  Most  wisely  hast  thou  spoken,  aged  man. 
But  tell,  and  truly,  why  thou  bearest  hence 
This  store  of  treasures  among  stranger  men  ?         4* 
Is  it  that  they  may  be  preserved  for  thee  ? 


Book  XXIV,  337 

Or  are  ye  all  deserting  in  alarm 

Your  hallowed  Troy  ?  for  such  a  man  of  might 

Was  thy  brave  son  who  died,  that  I  may  say 

The  Greeks  in  battle  had  no  braver  man."  & 

And  Priam,  godlike  ancient,  spake  in  turn  : 
"  Who  then  art  thou,  and  of  what  parents  born, 
Excellent  youth,  who  dost  in  such  kind  words 
Speak  of  the  death  of  my  unhappy  son  ? " 

The  herald,  Argus-queller,  answered  him  :          490 
"  I  see  that  thou  wouldst  prove  me,  aged  man, 
By  questions  touching  Hector,  whom  I  oft 
Have  seen  with  mine  own  eyes  in  glorious  fight, 
Putting  the  Greeks  to  rout  and  slaying  them 
By  their  swift  ships  with  that  sharp  spear  of  his.  &s 
We  stood  and  marvelled,  for  Achilles,  wroth 
With  Agamemnon,  would  not  suffer  us 
To  join  the  combat.     I  attend  on  him  ; 
The  same  good  galley  brought  us  to  this  shore, 
And  I  am  one  among  his  Myrmidons.  s°° 

Polyctor  is  my  father,  who  is  rich, 
And  now  as  old  as  thou.     Six  are  his  sons 
Beside  me,  I  the  seventh.     In  casting  lots 
With  them,  it  fell  to  me  that  I  should  come 
To  Ilium  with  Achilles.     I  am  here  505 

In  coming  from  the  fleet,  for  with  the  dawn 
The  dark-eyed  Greeks  are  planning  to  renew 
The  war  around  the  city.     They  have  grown 
Impatient  of  long  idleness  ;  their  chiefs 
Seek  vainly  to  restrain  their  warlike  rage."  s« 

VOL.    II.  15  V 


338  The  Iliad. 

Then  spake  the  godlike  ancient,  Priam,  thus  : 
"  If  them  indeed  dost  serve  Pelides,  tell, 
And  truly  tell  me,  whether  yet  my  son 
Is  at  the  fleet,  or  has  Achilles  cast, 
Torn  limb  from  limb,  his  body  to  the  hounds  ?  "    515 

The  herald,  Argus-queller,  thus  replied  : 
"  O  aged  monarch,  neither  have  the  hounds 
Devoured  thy  son,  nor  yet  the  birds  of  prey  ; 
But  near  the  galleys  of  Achilles  still 
He  lies  neglected  and  among  the  tents.  520 

Twelve  mornings  have  beheld  him  lying  there, 
Nor  hath  corruption  touched  him,  nor  the  worms 
That  make  the  slain  their  feast  begun  to  feed. 
'T  is  true  that,  when  the  holy  morning  dawns 
Achilles  drags  him  fiercely  round  the  tomb 
Of  his  dear  friend  ;  yet  that  disfigures  not 
The   dead.       Shouldst   thou   approach    him,    thou 

wouldst  see 

With  marvelling  eyes  how  fresh  and  dewy  still 
The  body  lies,  the  blood  all  cleansed  away, 
Unsoiled  in  every  part,  and  all  the  wounds  sy 

Closed  up  wherever  made  ;  for  many  a  spear 
Was  thrust  into  his  sides.     Thus  tenderly 
The  blessed  gods  regard  thy  son,  though  dead, 
For  dearly  was  he  loved  by  them  in  life." 

He  spake  ;  the  aged  man  was  comforted,  53? 

And  said  :  "  'T  is  meet,  O  son,  that  we  should  pay 
Oblations  to  the  immortals  ;  for  my  son 
While  yet  alive  neglected  not  within 


Book  XXIV.  339 

His  palace  the  due  worship  of  the  gods 

Who  dwell  upon  Olympus  ;  therefore  they  540 

Are  mindful  of  him,  even  after  death. 

Take  this  magnificent  goblet ;  be  my  guard, 

And  guide  me,  by  the  favor  of  the  gods, 

Until  I  reach  Pelides  in  his  tent." 

Again  the  herald,  Argus-queller,  spake  :  s« 

"  Thou  seekest  yet  to  try  me,  aged  man, 
Who  younger  am  than  thou.     Yet  think  thou  not 
That  I,  without  the  knowledge  of  my  chief, 
Will  take  thy  gifts ;  for  in  my  heart  I  fear 
Achilles,  nor  would  wrong  him  in  the  least,  550 

Lest  evil  come  upon  me.     Yet  I  go 
Willingly  with  thee,  as  thy  faithful  guide. 
Were  it  as  far  as  Argos  the  renowned, 
In  a  swift  galley,  or  on  foot  by  land, 
Yet  none  would  dare  to  harm  thee  while  with  me." 

So  Hermes  spake,  and  leaped  into  the  car,        $& 
And  took  into  his  hands  the  lash  and  reins, 
And  breathed  into  the  horses  and  the  mules 
Fresh  vigor.      Coming  to  the  wall  and  trench 
About  the  ships,  they  found  the  guard  engaged     s<so 
With  their  night-meal.     The  herald  Argicide 
Poured  sleep  upon  them  all,  and  quickly  flung 
The  gates  apart,  and  pushed  aside  the  bars, 
And  led  in  Priam,  with  the  costly  gifts 
Heaped  on  the  car.     They  went  until  they  reached 
The  lofty  tent  in  which  Achilles  sat,  ;*> 

Reared  by  the  Myrmidons  to  lodge  their  king, 


34O  Tlie  Iliad. 

With  timbers  of  hewn  fir,  and  over-roofed 

With  thatch,  for  which  the  meadows  had  been  mown, 

And  fenced  for  safety  round  with  rows  of  stakes.  =,-« 

One  fir-tree  bar  made  fast  its  gate,  which  three 

Strong  Greeks  were  wont  to  raise  aloft,  and  three 

Were  needed  to  take  down  the  massive  beam. 

Achilles  wielded  the  vast  weight  alone  ; 

Beneficent  Hermes  opened  it  before  sr? 

The  aged  man,  and  brought  the  treasures  in, 

Designed  for  swift  Achilles.     Then  he  left 

The  car  and  stood  upon  the  ground,  and  said  :  — 

"  O  aged  monarch,  I  am  Mercury, 
An  ever-living  god  ;  my  father,  Jove,  5-° 

Bade  me  attend  thy  journey.     I  shall  now 
Return,  nor  must  Achilles  look  on  me  ; 
It  is  not  meet  that  an  immortal  god 
Should  openly  befriend  a  mortal  man. 
Enter,  approach  Pelides,. clasp  his  knees  ;  jss 

Entreat  him  by  his  father,  and  his  son, 
And  fair-haired  mother ;  so  shall  he  be  moved." 

Thus  having  spoken,  Hermes  took  his  way 
Back  to  the  Olympian  summit.     Priam  then 
Sprang  from  the  chariot  to  the  ground.     He  left  s^ 
Idaeus  there  to  guard  the  steeds  and  mules, 
And,  hastening  to  the  tent  where,  dear  to  Jove, 
Achilles  lodged,  he  found  the  chief  within, 
While  his  companions  sat  apart,  save  two,  — 
Automedon  the  brave,  and  Alcimus, 
Who   claimed   descent  from  Mars.      These  stood 
near  by, 


Book  XXIV.  341 

And  ministered  to  Peleus'  son,  who  then 
Was  closing  a  repast,  and  had  just  left 
The  food  and  wine,  and  still  the  table  stood. 
Unmarked  the  royal  Priam  entered  in,  <** 

And,  coming  to  Achilles,  clasped  his  knees, 
And  kissed  those  fearful  slaughter-dealing  hands, 
By  which  so  many  of  his  sons  had  died. 
And  as,  when  some  blood-guilty  man,  whose  hand 
In  his  own  land  has  slain  a  fellow-man,  6o5 

Flees  to  another  country,  and  the  abode 
Of  some  great  chieftain,  all  men  look  on  him 
Astonished,  —  so,  when  godlike  Priam  first 
Was  seen,  Achilles  was  amazed,  and  all 
Looked  on  each  other,  wondering  at  the  sight.      «"> 
And  thus  King  Priam  supplicating  spake  :  — 
"  Think  of  thy  father,  an  old  man  like  me, 
Godlike  Achilles  !     On  the  dreary  verge 
Of  closing  life  he  stands,  and  even  now 
Haply  is  fiercely  pressed  by  those  who  dwell         615 
Around  him,  and  has  none  to  shield  his  age 
From  war  and  its  disasters.     Yet  his  heart 
Rejoices  when  he  hears  thou  yet  dost  live, 
And  every  day  he  hopes  that  his  dear  son 
Will  come  again  from  Troy.     My  lot  is  hard,         &=« 
For  I  was  father  of  the  bravest  sons 
In  all  wide  Troy,  and  none  are  left  me  now. 
Fifty  were  with  me  when  the  men  of  Greece 
Arrived  upon  our  coast ;  nineteen  of  these 
Owned  the  same  mother,  and  the  rest  were  born  &>s 


342  The  Iliad. 

Within  my  palaces.     Remorseless  Mars 
Already  had  laid  lifeless  most  of  these, 
And  Hector,  whom  I  cherished  most,  whose  arm 
Defended  both  our  city  and  ourselves, 
Him  didst  thou  lately  slay  while  combating;  <* 

For  his  dear  country.     For  his  sake  I  come 
To  the  Greek  fleet,  and  to  redeem  his  corse 
I  bring  uncounted  ransom.     O,  revere 
The  gods,  Achilles,  and  be  merciful, 
Calling  to  mind  thy  father  !  happier  he  <>*; 

Than  I  ;  for  I  have  borne  what  no  man  else 
That  dwells  on  earth  could  bear,  —  have  laid  my  lips 
Upon  the  hand  of  him  who  slew  my  son." 
He  spake  :  Achilles  sorrowfully  thought 
Of  his  own  father.     By  the  hand  he  took  MO 

The  suppliant,  and  with  gentle  force  removed 
The  old  man  from  him.     Both  in  memory 
Of  those  they  loved  were  weeping.     The  old  king, 
With  many  tears,  and  rolling  in  the  dust 
Before  Achilles,  mourned  his  gallant  son. 
Achilles  sorrowed  for  his  father's  sake, 
And  then  bewailed  Patroclus,  and  the  sound 
Of  lamentation  filled  the  tent.     At  last 
Achilles,  when  he  felt  his  heart  relieved 
By  tears,  and  that  strong  grief  had  spent  its  force,  o -•- 
Sprang  from  his  seat ;  then  lifting  by  the  hand 
The  aged  man,  and  pitying  his  white  head 
And  his  white  chin,  he  spake  these  winged  words  :  — 
*  Great  have  thy  sufferings  been,  unhappy  king  ! 


Book  XXIV.  3/13 

How  couldst  thou  venture  to  approach  alone        655 

The  Grecian  fleet,  and  show  thyself  to  him 

Who  slew  so  many  of  thy  valiant  sons  ? 

An  iron  heart  is  thine.     But  seat  thyself, 

And  let  us,  though  afflicted  grievously, 

Allow  our  woes  to  sleep  awhile,  for  grief  660 

Indulged  can  bring  no  good.     The  gods  ordain 

The  lot  of  man  to  suffer,  while  themselves 

Are  free  from  care.     Beside  Jove's  threshold  stand 

Two  casks  of  gifts  for  man.     One  cask  contains 

The  evil,  one  the  good,  and  he  to  whom  665 

The  Thunderer  gives  them  mingled  sometimes  falls 

Into  misfortune,  and  is  sometimes  crowned 

With  blessings.     But  the  man  to  whom  he  gives 

The  evil  only  stands  a  mark  exposed 

To  wrong,  and,  chased  by  grim  calamity,  &* 

Wanders  the  teeming  earth,  alike  unloved 

By  gods  and  men.     So  did  the  gods  bestow 

Munificent  gifts  on  Peleus  from  his  birth, 

For  eminent  was  he  among  mankind 

For  wealth  and  plenty ;  o'er  the  Myrmidons          675 

He  ruled,  and,  though  a  mortal,  he  was  given 

A  goddess  for  a  wife.     Yet  did  the  gods 

C5  O 

Add  evil  to  the  good,  for  not  to  him 

Was  born  a  family  of  kingly  sons 

Within  his  house,  successors  to  his  reign.  &* 

One  short-lived  son  is  his,  nor  am  I  there 

To  cherish  him  in  his  old  age  ;  but  h  ire 

Do  I  remain,  far  from  my  native  land, 


344  Tke  Iliad. 

In  Troy,  and  causing  grief  to  thee  and  thine. 

Of  thee  too,  aged  king,  they  speak,  as  one  683 

Whose  wealth  was  large  in  former  days,  when  all 

That  Lesbos,  seat  of  Macar,  owns  was  thine, 

And  all  in  Phrygia  and  the  shores  ihat  bound 

The  Hellespont ;  men  said  thou  didst  excel 

All  others  in  thy  riches  and  thy  sons.  (*#, 

But  since  the  gods  have  brought  this  strife  on  thee 

War  and  perpetual  slaughter  of  brave  men 

Are  round  thy  city.     Yet  be  firm  of  heart, 

Nor  grieve  forever.     Sorrow  for  thy  son 

Will  profit  nought ;  it  cannot  bring  the  dead          (•* 

To  life  again,  and  while  thou  dost  afflict 

Thyself  for  him  fresh  woes  may  fall  on  thee." 

A.nd  thus  the  godlike  Priam,  aged  king, 
Made  answer :  "  Bid  me  not  be  seated  here, 
Nursling  of  Jove,  while  Hector  lies  among  700 

Thy  tents  unburied.     Let  me  ransom  him 
At  once,  that  I  may  look  on  him  once  more 
With  my  own  eyes.     Receive  the  many  gifts 
We  bring  thee,  and  mayst  thou  possess  them  long, 
And  reach  thy  native  shore,  since  by  thy  grace      705 
I  live  and  yet  behold  the  light  of  day." 

Achilles  heard,  and,  frowning,  thus  rejoined  : 
*  Anger  me  not,  old  man  ;  't  was  in  my  thought 
To  let  thee  ransom  Hector.     To  my  tent 
The  mother  came  who  bore  me,  sent  from  Jove,  7* 
The  daughter  of  the  Ancient  of  the  Sea, 
And  I  perceive,  nor  can  it  be  concealed, 


Book  XXIV.  345 

O  Priam,  that  some  god  hath  guided  thee 
To  our  swift  galleys  ;  for  no  mortal  man, 
Though  in  his  prime  of  youthful  strength,  would  dare 
To  come  into  the  camp  ;  he  could  not  pass  716 

The  guard,  nor  move  the  beams  that  bar  our  gates. 
So  then  remind  me  of  my  griefs  no  more, 
Lest,  suppliant  as  thou  art,  I  leave  thee  not 
Unharmed,  and  thus  transgress  the  laws  of  Jove."  -*> 

He  spake  :  the  aged  man  in  fear  obeyed. 
And  then  Pelides  like  a  lion  leaped 
Forth  from  the  door,  yet  not  alone  he  went ; 
For  of  his  comrades  two  —  Automedon, 
The  hero,  and  his  comrade  Alcimus,  ?*s 

He  whom  Achilles  held  in  most  esteem 
After  the  slain  Patroclus  —  followed  him. 
The  mules  and  horses  they  unyoked,  and  led 
The  aged  monarch's  clear-voiced  herald  in, 
And  bade  him  sit.     Then  from  the  polished  car    ?y 
They  took  the  costly  ransom  of  the  corse 
Of  hector,  save  two  cloaks,  which  back  they  laid 
With  a  fair  tunic,  that  their  chief  might  give 
The  body  shrouded  to  be  borne  to  Troy. 
And  then  he  called  the  maidens,  bidding  them     735 
Wash  and  anoint  the  dead,  yet  far  apart 
From  Priam,  lest,  with  looking  on  his  son, 
The  grief  within  his  heart  might  rise  uncurbed 
To  anger,  and  Achilles  in  his  rage 
Might  stay  him  and  transgress  the  laws  of  Jove.   740 
And  when  the  handmaids  finished,  having  washed 
IS* 


346  The  Iliad. 

The  body  and  anointed  it  with  oil, 

And  wrapped  a  sumptuous  cloak  and  tunic  round 

The  limbs,  Achilles  lifted  it  himself 

And  placed  it  on  a  bier.     His  comrades  gave       ?« 

Their  aid,  and  raised  it  to  the  polished  car. 

When  all  was  done,  Achilles  groaned,  and  called 

By  name  the  friend  he  dearly  loved,  and  said  :  — 

"  O  my  Patroclus,  be  not  wroth  with  me 
Shouldst  thou  in  Hades  hear  that  I  restore  750 

Hector  to  his  dear  father,  since  I  take 
A  ransom  not  unworthy  ;  but  of  this 
I  yield  to  thee  the  portion  justly  thine." 

So  spake  the  godlike  warrior,  and  withdrew 
Into  his  tent,  and  took  the  princely  seat  755 

From  which  he  had  arisen,  opposite 
To  that  of  Priam,  whom  he  thus  bespake  :  — 

"  Behold  thy  son  is  ransomed,  aged  man, 
As  thou  hast  asked,  and  lies  upon  his  bier. 
Thou  shalt  behold  him  with  the  early  dawn,          760 
And  bear  him  hence.     Now  let  us  break  our  fast, 
For  even  Niobe,  the  golden-haired, 
Refrained  not  from  her  food,  though  children  twelve 
Perished  within  her  palace,  —  six  young  sons 
And  six  fair  daughters.     Phcebus  slew  the  sons     765 
With  arrows  from  his  silver  bow,  incensed 
At  Niobe,  while  Dian,  archer-queen, 
Struck  down  the  daughters  ;  for  the  mother  dared 
To  make  herself  the  peer  of  rosy-cheeked 
Latona,  who,  she  boastfully  proclaimed,  7* 


Book  XXIV.  347 

Had  borne  two  children  only,  while  herself 

Had  brought  forth  many.      Yet,  though  only  two, 

The  children  of  Latona  took  the  lives 

Of  all  her  own.     Nine  days  the  corses  lay 

In  blood,  and  there  was  none  to  bury  them,          775 

For  Jove  had  changed  the  dwellers  of  the  place 

To  stone ;  but  on  the  tenth  the  gods  of  heaven 

Gave  burial  to  the  dead.     Yet  Niobe, 

Though  spent  with  weeping  long,  did  not  refrain 

From  food.     And  now  forever  mid  the  rocks        i*> 

And  desert  hills  of  Sipylus,  where  lie, 

Fame  says,  the  couches  of  the  goddess-nymphs, 

Who  lead  the  dance  where  Acheloiis  flows, 

Although  she  be  transformed  to  stone,  she  broods 

Over  the  woes  inflicted  by  the  gods.  -ss 

But  now,  O  noble  Ancient,  let  us  sit 

At  our  repast,  and  thou  mayst  afterward 

Mourn  thy  beloved  son,  while  bearing  him 

Homeward,  to  be  bewailed  with  many  tears." 

Achilles,  the  swift-footed,  spake,  and  left  790 

His  seat,  and,  slaying  a  white  sheep,  he  bade 
His  comrades  flay  and  dress  it.     Then  they  carved 
The  flesh  in  portions  which  they  fixed  on  spits, 
And  roasted  carefully,  and  drew  them  back. 
And  then  Automedon  distributed  795 

The  bread  in  shapely  canisters  around 
The  table,  while  Achilles  served  the  flesh, 
And  all  put  forth  their  hands  and  shared  the  feast 
But  when  their  thirst  and  hunger  were  appeased, 


348  The  Iliad. 

Dardanian  Priam  fixed  a  wondering  look  sot 

Upon  Achilles,  who  in  nobleness 

Of  form  was  like  the  gods.     Achilles  fixed 

A  look  of  equal  wonder  on  his  guest, 

Dardanian  Priam,  for  he  much  admired 

His  gracious  aspect  and  his  pleasant  speech. 

And  when  at  length  they  both  withdrew  their  gaze, 

Priam,  the  godlike  Ancient,  spake,  and  said  :  — 

"  Nursling  of  Jove,  dismiss  me  speedily 
To  rest,  that  we  may  lie,  and  be  refreshed 
With  gentle  slumbers.     Never  have  these  eyes      BIO 
Been  closed  beneath  their  lids,  since  by  thy  hand 
My  Hector  lost  his  life  ;  and  evermore 
I  mourn  and  cherish  all  my  griefs,  and  writhe 
Upon  the  ground  within  my  palace  courts ; 
But  I  have  taken  food  at  last,  and  drunk  sts 

Draughts  of  red  wine,  untasted  till  this  hour." 

Achilles  bade  the  attending  men  and  maids 
Place  couches  in  the  porch,  and  over  them 
Draw  sumptuous  purple  mats  on  which  to  lay 
Embroidered  tapestries,  and  on  each  of  these        8=0 
Spread  a  broad,  fleecy  mantle,  covering  all. 
Forth  went  the  train  with  torches  in  their  hands, 
And  quickly  spread  two  couches.     Then  the  swift 
Achilles  pleasantly  to  Priam  said  :  — 

"  Sleep,  excellent  old  man,  without  the  tent,      **s 
Lest  some  one  of  our  counsellors  arrive, 
Such  as  oft  come  within  my  tent  to  sit 
And  talk  of  warlike  matters.     Seeing  thee 


Book  XXII7".  349 

In  the  dark  hours  of  night,  he  might  relate 

The  tale  to  Agamemnon,  king  of  men,  «^ 

And  hinder  thus  the  ransom  of  thy  son. 

But  say,  and  truly  say,  how  many  days 

Requires!  thou  to  pay  the  funeral  rites 

'To  noble  Hector,  so  that  I  may  rest 

As  many,  and  restrain  the  troops  from  war."          ^, 

Then  answered  godlike  Priam,  aged  king  : 
"  Since,  then,  thou  wilt,  Achilles,  that  we  pay 
The  rites  of  burial  to  my  noble  son, 
I  own  the  favor.     Well  thou  knowest  how 
We  Trojans  are  constrained  to  keep  within  s4o 

The  city  walls,  for  it  is  far  to  bring 
Wood  from  the  mountains,  and  we  fear  to  dare 
The  journey.     Nine  days  would  we  mourn  the  dead 
Within  our  dwellings,  and  upon  the  tenth 
Would  bury  him,  and  make  a  solemn  feast,  845 

And  the  next  day  would  rear  his  monument, 
And  on  the  twelfth,  if  needful,  fight  again." 

And  swift  Achilles,  godlike  chief,  rejoined  : 
"  Be  it,  O  reverend  Priam,  as  thou  wilt, 
And  for  that  space  will  I  delay  the  war."  s5c 

He  spake,  and  that  the  aged  king  might  feel 
No  fear,  he  grasped  his  right  hand  at  the  wrist  ; 
And  then  King  Priam  and  the  herald  went 
To  sleep  within  the  porch,  but  wary  still. 
Achilles  slumbered  in  his  stately  tent,  »s< 

The  rosy-cheeked  Briseis  at  his  side, 
And  all  the  other  gods  and  men  who  fought 


3  So  The  Iliad. 

In  chariots  gave  themselves  to  slumber,  save 

Beneficent  Hermes ;  sleep  came  not  to  him, 

For  still  he  meditated  how  to  bring  sx* 

King  Priam  back  from  the  Achaian  fleet 

Unnoticed  by  the  watchers  at  the  gate. 

So  at  the  monarch's  head  he  stood,  and  spake  :  — 

"  O  aged  king,  thou  givest  little  heed 
To  danger,  sleeping  thus  amid  thy  foes,  865 

Because  Achilles  spares  thee.     Thou  hast  paid 
Large  ransom  for  thy  well-beloved  son, 
And  yet  the  sons  whom  thou  hast  left  in  Troy 
Would  pay  three  times  that  ransom  for  thy  life, 
Should  Agamemnon,  son  of  Atreus,  learn  —          s70 
Or  any  of  the  Greeks  —  that  thou  art  here." 

He  spake  :  the  aged  king  in  fear  awaked 
The  herald.     Hermes  yoked  the  steeds  and  mules, 
And  drave  them   quickly  through    the   camp    un 
marked 

By  any  there.     But  when  they  reached  the  ford     s75 
Where  Xanthus,  progeny  of  Jupiter, 
Rol-s  the  smooth  eddies  of  his  stream,  the  god 
Deputed  for  the  Olympian  height,  and  Morn 
In  s.xffron  robes  o'erspread  the  Earth  with  light.    «;« 
Townward  they  urged  the  steeds,  and  as  they  went 
Sorrowed  and  wailed  :  the  mules  conveyed  the  dead, 
And  they  were  seen  by  none  of  all  the  men 
And  graceful  dames  of  Troy  save  one  alone. 
Cassandra,  beautiful  as  Venus,  stood 
On  Pergamus,  and  from  its  height  discerned          saj 


Book  XXIV.  351 

Her  lather,  standing  on  the  chariot-seat, 
And  knew  i:he  herald,  him  whose  voice  so  oft 
Summoned  the  citizens,  and  knew  the  dead 
-Stretched  on  a  litter  drawn  by  mules.     She  raised 
Her  voice,  and  cal  ed  to  all  the  city  thus  :  —          *# 

"O  Trojan  men  and  women,  hasten  forth 
To  look  on  Hector,  if  ye  t'er  rejoiced 
To  see  him  coming  from  the  field  alive, 
The  pride  of  Troy,  and  all  who  dwell  in  her." 

She  spake,  and  suddenly  was  neither  man         835 
Nor  woman  left  within  the  city  bounds. 
Deep  grief  was  on  them  all ;  they  went  to  meet, 
Near  to  the  gates,  the  monarch  bringing  home 
The  dead.     And  first  the  wife  whom  Hector  loved 
Rushed  with  his  reverend  mother  to  the  car  900 

As  it  rolled  on,  and,  plucking  out  their  hair, 
Touched  with  their  hands  the  forehead  of  tho  dead, 
While  round  it  pressed  the  multitude,  and  wept, 
And  would  have  wept  before  the  gates  all  day, 
Even  to  the  set  of  sun,  in  bitter  grief  ** 

For  Hector's  loss,  had  not  the  aged  man 
Addressed  the  people  from  his  chariot-seat : 
"  Give  place  to  me,  and  let  the  mules  pass  on, 
And  ye  may  weep  your  fill  when  once  the  dead 
Is  laid  within  the  palace."     As  he  spake,  »« 

The  throng  gave  way  and  let  the  chariot  pass ; 
And  having  brought  it  to  the  royal  halls, 
On  a  fair  couch  they  laid  the  corse,  and  placed 
Singers  beside  it,  leaders  of  the  dirge, 


352  The  Iliad. 

Who  sang  a  sorrowful,  lamenting  strain,  915 

And  all  the  women  answered  it  with  sobs. 
White-armed  Andromache  in  both  her  hands 
Took  warlike  Hector's  head,  and  over  it 
Began  the  lamentation  midst  them  all  :  — 

"  Thou  hast  died  young,  my  husband,  leaving  me 
In  this  thy  home  a  widow,  and  one  son,  9« 

An  infant  yet.     To  an  unhappy  pair 
He  owes  his  birth,  and  never  will,  I  fear, 
Bloom  into  youth  ;  for  ere  that  day  will  Troy 
Be  overthrown,  since  thou,  its  chief  defence,          925 
Art  dead,  the  guardian  of  its  walls  and  all 
Its  noble  matrons  and  its  speechless  babes, 
Yet  to  be  carried  captive  far  away, 
And  I  among  them,  in  the  hollow  barks  ; 
And  thou,  my  son,  wilt  either  go  with  me,  930 

Where  thou  shalt  toil  at  menial  tasks  for  some 
Pitiless  master  ;  or  perhaps  some  Greek 
Will  seize  thy  little  arm,  and  in  his  rage 
Will  hurl  thee  from  a  lower  and  dash  thee  dead, 
Remembering  how  thy  father,  Hector,  slew  935 

His  brother,  son,  or  father  ;  for  the  hand 
Of  Hector  forced  full  many  a  Greek  to  bite 
The  dust  of  earth.     Not  slow  to  smite  was  he 
In  the  fierce  conflict ;  therefore  all  who  dwell 
Within  the  city  sorrow  for  his  fall.  940 

Thou  bringest  an  unutterable  grief, 
O  Hector,  on  thy  parents,  and  on  me 
The  sharpest  sorrows.     Thou  didst  not  stretch  forth 


Book  XXW. 


Thy  hands  to  me,  in  dying,  from  thy  couch, 

Nor  speak  a  word  to  comfort  me,  which  I  94? 

Might  ever  think  of  night  and  day  with  tears." 

So  spake  the  weeping  wife  :  the  women  all 
Mingled  their  vail  with  hers,  and  Hecuba 
Took  up  the  passionate  lamentation  next :  — 

"  O  Hector,  thou  who  wert  most  fondly  loved.   «-,o 
Of  all  my  sons  !     While  yet  thou  wert  alive, 
Dear  wert  thou  to  the  gods,  who  even  now, 
When  death  has  overtaken  thee,  bestow 
Such  care  upon  thee.     All  my  other  sons 
Whom  swift  Achilles  took  in  war  he  sold  955 

At  Samos,  Imbrus,  by  the  barren  sea, 
And  Lemnos  harborless.     But  as  for  thee, 
When  he  had  taken  with  his  cruel  spear 
Thy  life,  he  dragged  thee  round  and  round  the  tomb 
Of  his  young  friend,  Patroclus,  whom  thy  hand     960 
Had  slain,  yet  raised  he  not  by  this  the  dead ; 
And  now  thou  liest  in  the  palace  here, 
Fresh  and  besprinkled  as  with  early  dew, 
Like  one  just  slain  with  silent  arrows  aimed 
By  Phcebus,  bearer  of  the  silver  bow."  9*5 

Wreeping  she  spake,  and  woke  in  all  who  heard 
Grief  without  measure.     Helen,  last  of  all, 
Took  up  the  lamentation,  and  began  :  — 

"  O  Hector,  who  wert  dearest  to  my  heart 
Of  all  my  husband's  brothers,  —  for  the  wife          97° 
Am  I  of  godlike  Paris,  him  whose  fleet 
Brought  me  to  Troy,  —  would  I  had  sooner  died  .' 


354  The  Iliad. 

And  now  the  twentieth  year  is  past  since  first 

I  came  a  stranger  from  my  native  shore, 

Yet  have  I  never  heard  from  thee  a  word  wi 

Of  anger  or  reproach.     And  when  the  sons 

Of  Priam,  and  his  daughters,  and  the  wives 

Of  Priam's  sons,  in  all  their  fair  array, 

Taunted  me  grievously,  or  Hecuba 

Herself,  —  for  Priam  ever  was  to  me  980 

A  gracious  father,  —  thou  didst  take  my  part 

With  kindly  admonitions,  and  restrain 

Their  tongues  with  soft  address  and  gentle  words. 

Therefore  my  heart  is  grieved,  and  I  bewail 

Thee  and  myself  at  once, —  unhappy  me!  985 

For  now  I  have  no  friend  in  all  wide  Troy,  — 

None  to  be  kind  to  me  :  they  hate  me  all." 

Weeping  she  spake  :  the  mighty  throng  again 
Answered  with  wailing.     Priam  then  addressed 
The  people  :  "  Now  bring  wood,  ye  men  of  Troy,  990 
Into  the  city.     Let  there  be  no  fear 
Of  ambush  from  the  Greeks,  for  when  of  late 
I  left  Achilles  at  the  dark-hulled  barks, 
He  gave  his  promise  to  molest  no  more 
The  men  of  Troy  till  the  twelfth  morn  shall  rise."  995 

He  spake,  and  speedily  they  yoked  the  mules 
And  oxen  to  the  wains,  and  came  in  throngs 
Before  the  city  walls.     Nine  days  they  toiled 
To  bring  the  trunks  of  trees,  and  when  the  tenth 
Arose  to  light  the  abodes  of  men,  they  brought    i°°° 
The  corse  of  valiant  Hector  from  the  town 


Book  XXIV.  355 

With  many  tears,  and  laid  it  on  the  wood 
High  up,  and  flung  the  fire  to  light  the  pile. 

Now  when  the  early  rosy-fingered  Dawn 
Looked  forth,  the  people  gathered  round  the  pile  1005 
Of  glorious  Hector.     When  they  all  had  come 
Together,  first  they  quenched  the  funeral  fires, 
Wherever  they  had  spread,  with  dark-red  wine, 
And  then  his  brothers  and  companions  searched 
For  the  white  bones.     In  sorrow  and  in  tears,      i<»o 
That  streaming  stained  their  cheeks,  they  gathered 

them, 

And  placed  them  in  a  golden  urn.     O'er  this 
They  drew  a  covering  of  soft  purple  robes, 
And  laid  it  in  a  hollow  grave,  and  piled 
Fragments  of  rock  above  it,  many  and  huge.          015 
In  haste  they  reared  the  tomb,  with  sentries  set 
On  every  side,  lest  all  too  soon  the  Greeks 
Should  come  in  armor  to  renew  the  war. 
When  now  the  tomb  was  built,  the  multitude 
Returned,  and  in  the  halls  where  Priam  dwelt      10=0 
Nursling  of  Jove,  were  feasted  royally. 
Such  was  the  mighty  Hector's  burial  rite. 


THE   END. 


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